Onion Sets: Troy

Description: Troy onion sets are a superb choice for gardeners in Ireland who want reliable, early-harvesting onions with excellent flavour and disease resistance. This hardy variety produces uniform, golden-skinned bulbs with a crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet taste.

Troy onions are one of the best autumn-planting varieties, developing strong roots over winter and producing an early harvest from late spring. They’re ideal for cooking, slicing, or storing, offering versatility in the kitchen for everything from roasts and soups to salads.

These onion sets perform exceptionally well in Irish growing conditions and are well-known for their consistent yields and resistance to bolting. With proper care, Troy onion sets will reward you with firm, high-quality bulbs perfect for both home and professional gardeners.

Benefits of Troy Onion Sets:

• Early Harvest: Troy onions are one of the earliest maturing varieties, providing a fresh supply of golden bulbs from late spring - perfect for bridging the gap before summer crops are ready.

• Reliable Growth: Exceptionally hardy and resistant to disease and bolting, Troy onion sets perform well even in challenging Irish winters.

• Excellent Flavour: These onions offer a mild yet full-bodied taste, ideal for both everyday cooking and gourmet dishes.

• Good Storage: Once harvested, Troy onions store well, allowing you to enjoy their quality and flavour for months after lifting.

• Low Maintenance: Easy to plant and quick to establish, Troy onions are perfect for gardeners of all experience levels seeking a dependable, high-yield crop.

Available in quantities of:

75 bulbs & 250 bulbs. 

Planting: September to November

Origin: France

Certified Organic: No

How To Grow Troy Onion Sets

1. Before you start

• Choose the right spot: Full sun (6–8 hrs). Well-drained soil is essential - use raised beds if your ground gets waterlogged.

• Soil prep: Work in compost and a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. Avoid fresh manure. Target pH 6.0–7.0.

• Crop rotation: Don’t plant onion sets where onions/garlic/leeks grew in the last 3–4 years if possible.

2. When to plant onion sets

• Autumn-planting onion sets (e.g., Troy, Senshyu Yellow, Radar, Electric): September–November.Harvest June–July.

3. Planting onion sets

1. Rake soil level and firm lightly.

2. Set each bulb with the pointed tip up, just the tip showing (about 2–3 cm deep).

3. Spacing: 10–12 cm between sets; 25–30 cm between rows. For bigger bulbs, space 12–15 cm.

4. Water in well.

5. Bird protection (optional): Cover with fleece or netting for 2–3 weeks so birds don’t pull up the sets.

4. Early care for onion sets

• Weeding: Keep beds weed-free; onions hate competition. Hand-weed around bulbs.

• Mulch: A light mulch helps moisture retention and suppresses weeds (keep it off the necks).

• Frost: Autumn-planted onion sets are hardy; no special protection needed unless an extreme cold snap is forecast.

5. Watering & feeding

• Water: Steady moisture in spring while foliage is building. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.

• Feed: A light nitrogen feed in early spring boosts leafy growth. Stop feeding once bulbs start to swell.

• Stop watering when most bulbs have sized up (late spring/early summer) to encourage skins to dry.

6. Common issues (quick checks)

• Bolting (flower stalks): More likely after cold snaps. Snip off flower stalks promptly; those bulbs should be used first (they won’t store long).

• Pests: Onion fly/thrips - use mesh/fleece early, encourage good airflow, and avoid damaged sets.

• Diseases: White rot/downy mildew - practice long rotations and don’t move contaminated soil or tools between beds.

7. Harvesting onion sets

• Signs they’re ready: Tops yellow and fall over, necks soften, outer skins papery.

• Choose a dry spell. Loosen with a fork and lift gently - don’t bruise the bulbs.

• If weather is wet, lift and move to a dry, airy place straight away.

8. Curing (essential for long storage)

• Lay onions in a single layer on racks or newspaper in a warm, airy, shaded spot for 10–21 days.

• They’re cured when necks are dry and skins rattle. Brush off loose soil (don’t wash).

9. Storing your onions

• Trim: Cut roots off and trim tops to 2–3 cm, or braid the tops.

• Where: Cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated place (garage/shed). Avoid plastic bags - use mesh sacks, crates, or braids.

• Temperature: Cool is best (around 4–10°C).

• Check monthly: Remove any soft or sprouting bulbs.

• Use order: Eat any nicked or thick-neck bulbs first; they don’t store as long.

10. Quick calendar (Ireland)

• Sept–Nov: Plant autumn onion sets.

• Apr–May: Weed, water, light feed; remove any flower stalks.

• Jun–Aug: Bulbs size up; stop watering; harvest when tops flop; cure and store.

Pro tips for bigger, better bulbs

• Space a little wider for larger bulbs.

• Keep beds consistently moist in spring, then go dry for curing.

• Rotate crops and keep tools clean to prevent disease.