Exhibition Onion Growing Handbook

Exhibition Onion Growing Handbook

A complete step by step guide to growing exhibition standard onions from seed to show bench and back to seed again

Whether your goal is to grow championship onions or simply raise your standards on the allotment, this handbook walks you through the entire exhibition growing process with unmatched clarity and detail.

Written by one of the UK’s most decorated exhibition growers, this guide reveals the proven methods behind consistent success with two full growing cycles fully explained:

From seed to show winning onion
From onion back to seed, preserving elite stock for future seasons

What You’ll Learn

You’ll gain a full understanding of every stage of the growing process including:

Seed production and selection
Why great onions start with carefully selected parent stock and how to create your own reliable seed supply

Sowing, potting, and early growth
How to manage pot progression, heating, and lighting to give your plants the best start possible

Feeding, watering, and plant care
Get the right routines in place to maintain healthy, vigorous growth throughout the cycle

Show preparation and presentation
From lifting and drying to final presentation everything you need to bring out the best in your onions

Pest, disease, and class specific tips
How to prevent common problems and tailor your approach for different competition classes

Is This for You?

Whether you're a seasoned grower or just getting started, this handbook offers value.

If you’ve entered shows but struggle with consistency, you’ll find clear, repeatable methods
If you’re an allotment grower aiming to raise your game, this will help take your crop to the next level
If you’ve never exhibited before but want to grow seriously impressive vegetables, this is your shortcut to expert-level techniques

Exhibition growing isn't just for competitors. Many growers use these methods to produce stronger, healthier, and more beautiful crops with results you can taste and see

About the Author

John Soulsby is a record holding exhibition grower, Chairman of the North East Horticultural Society, and a respected judge on the UK show circuit.

With decades of hands on experience including multiple national wins and a lifelong passion for breeding onions and leeks, John is widely known for producing some of the most consistent high quality show vegetables in the country.

This handbook captures his full process refined over decades and shares it in a way that’s accessible to beginners and advanced growers alike.