How to grow Chernushka onions from seeds

Nigella is sometimes mistakenly confused with a separate variety of onion. In fact, this is the name of the vegetable seeds from which the seeds are obtained for further cultivation. From nigella seeds you can get any type of onion, depending on the bulbs from which the seed material was taken.

Description

Nigella ripens in spherical flowers grown on the shoots of an adult bulb. From the seeds, sets are obtained - seed material for growing onions in the second year. The name comes from their black color. Nigella look like ribbed seeds about 2 mm in size. They are purchased in specialized stores or assembled independently.

Many onion varieties are suitable for producing sets - for example, Rapture, Centaur, Crimson Ball.

Growing onions traditionally consists of 2 stages:

1. In the first year, nigella seeds are sown, from which sets (small bulbs) grow.
2. In the second season, they plant seedlings and get full-fledged vegetables.

Some varieties are planted before winter - they are suitable for harvesting in one year. These include Stuttgarter Riesen, Belovezhsky, Strigunovsky etc.

How to assemble

Formation and development nigella seeds occurs in the arrows of ripened onions. Inflorescences appear at their tips when the growth of the crop is completed. Next, they are transformed into ribbed boxes filled with seeds. The collection is carried out when they acquire a brown tint.

To prevent the seeds from falling off, the heads are tied with gauze.. It is also permissible to cut the boxes and put them in a paper bag for ripening for several weeks. After the heads dry, they are shaken vigorously to release the seed material. The resulting nigella is stored in a dry and cool place before planting.

Chemical composition and beneficial properties

Bow and his juice popular in folk medicine — for the treatment of diseases They are used internally and externally and are used in cosmetology to improve the condition of hair and skin.

The beneficial qualities of onions are due to their rich composition.. The vegetable is rich in phytoncides, organic acids, sugars, natural antioxidants, enzymes, and essential oils.

100 g of onion contains vitamins:

• PP - 0.2 mg;
• C - 10 mg;
• E—0.2 mg;
• B1 - 0.05 mg;
• B2 - 0.2 mg;
• B5 - 0.1 mg;
• B6 - 0.1 mg;
• folic acid - 9 mcg.

Mineral content per 100 g of product:

• calcium - 31 mg;
• potassium - 175 mg;
• magnesium - 14 mg;
• phosphorus - 58 mg;
• chlorine - 25 mg;
• sulfur - 65 mg;
• iron - 0.8 mg;
• zinc - 0.85 mg;
• manganese - 0.23 mg;
• iodine - 3 mcg;
• copper - 85 mcg;
• fluorine - 31 mcg;
• boron - 200 mcg.

Onions have the following beneficial properties:

1. Anti-inflammatory effect. Used to treat colds and accompanying symptoms (runny nose, cough, etc.).
2. Stabilization of metabolic processes. The vegetable activates the digestive tract, stimulates secretory function, and lowers cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood.
3. General strengthening effect. Antioxidants and other beneficial components contained in onions increase immunity, slow down the aging of the body, and reduce the risk of developing cancer. Strengthens bone tissue, blood vessels, and has a hypotensive effect.
4. Antiseptic and regenerating properties. Onion products accelerate wound healing and disinfect when applied topically (for example, when gargling).
5. Decongestant qualities. Onions are used externally or internally.
6. Antiallergic effect. The vegetable acts as a natural antihistamine.

In cosmetology, onions are used against hair loss, to nourish and strengthen them.. The vegetable is used to eliminate acne, pimples, freckles and age spots.

Attention! Onions increase potency and reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In women, products from the vegetable are used to stabilize the menstrual cycle, local treatment of erosions, colpitis (inflammation of the vaginal mucosa).

Ripening period

The ripening period of a vegetable depends on its variety. Onion varietiesgrown from nigella seeds are classified into:

• early - ripen in 90-115 days;
• average - after 115-135 days;
• late - after 135-155 days.

The varieties Stuttgarter Riesen and Crimson Ball ripen earlier than others. — the growing season is about 90 days, the Centaur onion harvest is harvested in up to 110 days, Delight ripens in 130-140 days.

Productivity

Nigella, when properly collected and prepared, has a high germination rate. The plants are characterized by rapid development and low exposure to weeds. The vitality of the culture is noted.

This is due to the rich onion yield, while most varieties have early ripening. The volume of vegetables obtained also depends on the region of planting.

Disease resistance

The process of sowing onions from seeds is considered natural, therefore allows the plant to fully adapt to the soil. The culture has increased immunity to diseases and pests.Preventive measures, compliance with planting and care rules significantly increase the viability of onions.

Characteristics of onions and taste

Varieties of onions grown from nigella differ in external characteristics and taste. For example, the Vostorg variety is characterized by large straw-colored bulbs weighing 150-300 g. There is a pronounced pungency of taste. The Crimson Ball variety has dark purple bulbs. Their shape is round and their weight is small (80 g). The onion tastes semi-sharp with sweet notes.

The Centaur variety is characterized by yellow color, increased density, and round shape. The taste is pleasantly sweet, suitable for people who cannot tolerate the traditional spiciness of onions. Stuttgarter Riesen is a traditional light yellow color and has a flattened shape. The taste is medium spicy, there is no bitterness.

Climate requirements

Nigella onions are grown everywhere, since vegetables are characterized by unpretentiousness, high germination, and productivity.

Important! Harvest dates depend on the climate of the region. For example, the Stuttgarter Riesen variety in the southern regions will ripen already in May, in other areas - no earlier than June.

Onions do not like excessive moisture or drought.. The Centaur variety is suitable for growing nigella vegetables in unfavorable conditions. It perfectly withstands frost, drought and other negative factors. The southern regions are suitable for red onions.

The main advantages and disadvantages of the growing method

The advantages of the method include:

• profitability - buying seedlings for planting is more expensive than stocking up on seeds;
• early yield;
• resistance to diseases, pests, weeds;
• bountiful harvest;
• using a small amount of seed material - a couple of bulbs are enough for one bed;
• unpretentiousness of plants, easy care for them;
• Due to the developed root system, productivity is maintained even under unfavorable conditions.

Disadvantages include:

• the risk of purchasing low-quality nigella in the store;
• if seed germination is poor (less than 75%), another material will be required;
• duration of growing onions (with a two-stage method).

What is the difference between varieties

Onions obtained from the seeds of various varieties of vegetables are poured into:

• color - straw, bright yellow, red, etc.;
• shape - oval, round, flattened;
• taste - hot, medium-hot, sweet;
• terms of ripening.

The advantage of nigella is the ability to obtain a vegetable with the desired characteristics, based on taste preferences and other requirements. To do this, you just need to choose the appropriate variety.

Features of planting and growing

Two-stage onion planting is usually used - first they grow the sets and only then the vegetables. But many gardeners get their harvest in one season.

Not suitable for planting for one year multi-nest varieties, in this case, deformation of the bulbs is possible.

Preparing for landing

Before planting, nigella is checked for germination. To do this, keep the seeds in a fabric bag for 12 hours in an ash solution (1 tablespoon of substance per 1 liter of water). Next, they are distributed on a damp cloth: if after 2 weeks more than 75% has sprouted, the material is suitable for planting.

It is recommended to disinfect purchased nigella - Dip it in a solution of potassium permanganate for half an hour.

Soil requirements

For planting, choose a place illuminated by the sun.. The soil should be dry. It is recommended to prepare the soil in the fall. To do this, after weeding, humus or peat is added to the ground, as well as phosphorus, potassium, and calcium chloride.

For planting, it is permissible to use the place where cabbage, cucumbers, potatoes, and legumes previously grew.

Dates, scheme and rules of planting

The standard width of an onion bed is 80-100 cm. The seeds are arranged in rows or scattered. With the first option, the sets will be larger, with the second, free space will be saved. The distance between the rows is 20 cm, the proportions of material consumption are 100 seeds per 1 m of furrow. Nigella is lowered into moist soil to a depth of 2 cm, in windy regions - to 3 cm.

Plant onions in spring or autumn. In the latter case, this makes it possible to obtain a harvest in one year. It is better to sow seeds early in the spring, based on the climate of the region.

Attention! Nigella is placed in the ground at the first thaw (even in February).

Plant before winter acceptable during the first frost (so that it does not germinate until spring), having previously prepared the soil - insulated with peat and sawdust. Snow is also suitable for covering plantings.

Features of cultivation

Technologies for planting and caring for different varieties of onions obtained from nigella are identical. The time of sowing and harvesting depends on the climatic conditions of the region. If you pull the seed out of the ground ahead of time, it will turn out to be unripe. You also can’t delay harvesting: the arrival of frost or excessive soil moisture will ruin the harvest.

Nuances of care

When sprouts appear after planting, the nigella is thinned out - the distance between plants is made at least 2 cm. After the procedure, it is recommended to fertilize the plantings - manure or mullein solution will do.

When growing annual onions are thinned again after 20 days, the interval is 6 cm. If the goal is to obtain seedlings, it is advisable to leave the planting dense.

Watering mode

Planted nigellas are not watered abundantly until seedlings form., enough support when wet. In the future, monitor the soil. Watering is carried out as it dries and stops completely 20 days before harvest.

Loosening the soil and weeding

The soil is loosened after the plantings are firmly rooted. The procedure is carried out with caution, avoiding damage to the root system. Weeds are removed manually or using a hoe. It is effective to weed when the soil is wet.

Top dressing

It is recommended to carry out 2 feedings. Initially, when 3 green leaves appear, fertilize with urea (1 tablespoon of substance per 10 liters of water). The second time, when 5 leaves are formed, they are fed with potassium monophosphate (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of liquid).

Important! Fertilizing is carried out until the bulb forms.

Acceptable use complex fertilizers.

Disease and pest control

Common pests are:

1. Onion fly - lays white larvae in vegetables. The affected fruits are burned, the seedlings are sprayed with herbal infusions, preparations (Aktara), and covered with a net.
2. Onion (tobacco) thrips - damages greens and root vegetables during storage. Insecticide treatment required.
3. Onion mite - the plant shrinks, plaque and mold appear. For treatment, the beds are sprayed with insecticides and nettle infusion.

Common diseases:

1. Gray rot - often gets on the crop during harvesting, which leads to the death of vegetables. It is important to dry the plants.
2. Rust - yellow spots appear; in dry weather the disease does not progress.
3. Downy mildew - plaque and gray spots form on the plant, which leads to death. Treatment with Bordeaux mixture is required.

Harvest and storage

Signs of ripening - lodging of leaves, drying out of the bulb neck. Dig up vegetables carefully so as not to damage them. In most regions, bulbs are harvested in late August.

Important! The harvest is harvested before frost.

Storage features and shelf life

Onions and seeds are stored for a long time - up to 12 months. After collection carry out drying in beds or under a canopy for about 7 days. Then dry leaves and husks are removed, and the vegetables are sorted.

Store onions at +18°C, for a long period it is advisable to reduce it to 0°C.

What difficulties may there be when growing

Growing onions from seeds usually does not cause difficulties; they arise due to:

• low-quality nigella;
• adverse weather conditions;
• untimely harvesting - if the sowing is early, it does not ripen; if it is too late, it suffers from frost or excess moisture.

Advice from experienced gardeners

Experienced gardeners recommend:

• buy seeds in trusted stores or prepare them yourself;
• disinfect purchased nigella before planting;
• do not pick greens from vegetables planted “on turnips”;
• Plant marigolds around the perimeter of the bed - they will protect against pests.

Reviews on growing onions from nigella

On specialized forums, gardeners share their impressions of growing nigella onions.

Galina, Ekaterinburg: “I live in the Urals, our weather is unstable, often rainy. I grow the Stuttgarter Riesen variety from nigella - I like it. It ripens, of course, not as quickly as in the southern regions, but without problems".

Oleg, Moscow: “I’m a pensioner, so I save money - I don’t buy seedlings. I collect nigella myself and grow it - there are no difficulties in this, the main thing is to check the seeds for germination".

Olga, Krasnodar: “I love the Crimson Ball variety, it is absolutely unpretentious, although our climate is favorable. The harvest is rich, the onions are purple and look beautiful in salads.”

Conclusion

Growing onions from seeds is not difficult if you collect them correctly and first check the nigella for germination. Some varieties allow you to get both a seed and a regular harvest right away. Onions are an unpretentious plant, so care measures after planting and preventive measures are standard and do not present any difficulties even for novice gardeners.