Exploring Onion Shoots and Flowers
As I examined my onion plants, I was thrilled to notice the emergence of the first flower bud. This unexpected development sparked excitement, and I was eager to learn more.
The cone-shaped flower bud features a protective covering called a spathe, which safeguards the delicate florets inside. The spathe itself is white with numerous parallel green veins that converge at the tip.
The scape or peduncle is the stem that supports the onion flower. It grows from the terminal bud, characterized by its long, hollow, leafless structure with parallel veins, tapering towards the end, and lined with epidermal cells internally.
The Two Phases of Onion Growth
Onion plants typically produce flowers in their second growth phase, following the initial phase of development from seedlings to small bulbs, known as sets.
Onion Bolting
When an onion plant sends up a flower stalk, a process known as “bolting,” it redirects its energy toward seed production, sacrificing the growth of the underground bulb(onion). As the plant focuses on nourishing the flower, the onion remains small. While farmers often remove these flower buds to prioritize bulb growth, I chose to let them bloom, embracing the plant’s natural cycle.
As days passed, our pot became a hub of activity, with many more scapes emerging alongside the leaves. At first glance, it was easy to confuse the two, but upon closer inspection, we noticed that the scapes were slightly thicker and with the distinctive flower buds perched on top.
We waited for almost two weeks for the buds to unfurl. The buds grew bigger and rounder, their skin becoming almost transparent, hence the floret buds are visible from outside.
Interestingly, scapes are edible when they’re still tender and have a mild onion flavor.
Stay tuned for the next update, where we’ll share more about the onion’s inflorescence!
Happy reading!
Coming up next ……. Onion Blooms: The Inflorescence
********
Dal On The Table 
your onion plants look so healthy. What manure are you using?
LikeLike
Thank you Meeta. Cow manure.
LikeLike
Kudos to you👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 amazing pain stalking labour of love ,explaining every step of the growth of an onion!!!
You can easily teach Biology! !l
Int
LikeLike
Aww, thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the journey of growing onions with me. Your kind words mean a lot!
LikeLike
Above misprint should read as
Painstaking not pain stalking
LikeLike
It happens to everyone. Don’t worry.
LikeLike
Feel I’ve really missed on your previous notes.. would hv to go back and see.
Indira I must visit you to see your garden bloom with the Onion plant bloom…
let this week pass by …to await the reislishg meal as well
LikeLike
You’re welcome anytime Madhu! 😊 I’d love to show you around my little pot garden! 🌼🌿
LikeLike