You need to let them go until the tops have "flopped" over on their own and are about half dead (yellow/brown). At that point, you can safely pull them, and put them somewhere dry and warm where the tops can die the rest of the way.

They probably aren't going to get a lot bigger, but the leaves are still pumping carbohydrates to the bulb, which will fill it out, make it last longer in storage, and improve flavor and sweetness.

Thanks, Denninmi! Does this process apply to the onions with flower heads forming too? Won't the going to seed affect the bulb quality? It's frustrating when you know they're not done, but they think they are. :)

Hi heirloomjunkie, ,,;-)
The ones that are going to seed need to be pulled and used now, they will not be able to be stored or even eaten if you wait much longer, the seed pods suck all the nutrients out of the bulb , so it becomes valueless if you wait. Now, if you want seeds , these (one is probably more than sufficient), can be left to mature its seed head and you can plant when appropriate for your season.

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I grew a different hybrid variety this year and I'm very unimpressed. I've got bulbs rotting, they didn't size up that well, etc. I'd have to look at the packet to see the name. Last year I grew bottle onions and was very impressed. Maybe its just been too wet this year for onions.

Thanks, Jon. Jealous as usual. :) I will pull up the ones going to seed then. But yours look pretty like that!

Frank, it was a really wet year in IN too. I waited as long as i could to plant, and eventually had to plant in what was almost mud. I finally had the sense to pick an onion with the proper day lenth for my part of the country. It made such a huge difference.

Did you plant sets?

Yes. They were good ones too. From Dixondale. My green onions I do from seed, but I just don't seem to have time in the season to start storage onions from seed.

Just to try to keep down the confusion. Sets are small dried storage onions. If you got Spanish onions they would be plants. Dixondale is of the best companies for onion PLANTS.

I'm wondering how long it takes for the seed heads to dry sufficiently before I harvest them.
I'm actually referring to leeks but assumed they would be simular to onions.
I had a few overwinter and left them to go to seed while planting more this year. The seed heads dont seem to be drying out. Its been a couple of weeks and they are still pretty and white. Nice to look at but dont seem to be harvest ready yet.
Any suggestions are appreciated :)