Does this weather sound familiar?

"Bolting can be a problem with onions, leeks, and related species, and generally occurs in response to cold weather stress. Sustained temperatures of less than 45º F may result in bolting with as few as five leaves present. If the temperature falls below 50º F for two weeks or more, mature plants with 7-10 leaves will bolt. A cold, wet spring followed by a hot summer can also result in bolting."

Thus begins the lead article in the April newsletter from Dixondale Farms. They also add:

"Be careful not to over-fertilize, too, because overly vigorous growth may result in bolting. So can soil that is too loose; if the plant thinks the ground has been disturbed, it may respond by trying to spread its seed."

You and access this newsletter (& back issues) at:

The Onion Patch Newsletter

You can also add your e-mail address to receive this quality newsletter every month.

Lets hope that begins to get back to "normal" (max=58F; min=38F in Olympia) with today's weather and stays there.