How to Grow Silverskin Onions in the UK – Complete Growing Guide

Learning how to grow silverskin onions in the UK is a brilliant way to produce your own small, white onions for traditional homemade pickles. The popular ‘Paris Silverskin’ variety is easy to grow from seed, can be harvested young for salads and produces lovely little bulbs that are ideal for pickling when grown to the right size.

There’s something special about growing vegetables that you’re planning to turn into a delicious homemade preserve.

And if you’re somebody who enjoys traditional pickled onions, why not try growing the onions yourself?

You don’t need a huge allotment.

You don’t need expensive equipment.

And you certainly don’t need years of gardening experience.

A small prepared vegetable bed and a packet of ‘Paris Silverskin’ seeds can produce a surprisingly useful harvest.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I love growing vegetables that give you different options in the kitchen.

We grow ordinary onions for soups, stews, gravies and plenty of other meals.

But silverskin onions are something a little different.

Instead of aiming to produce large cooking onions, we’re trying to grow lots of smaller bulbs with attractive white skins.

And once they’re harvested, they can be prepared for homemade pickles, added whole to savoury dishes or used fresh while still young.

One thing I particularly like about ‘Paris Silverskin’ is that it can be grown in more than one way.

If you harvest it young, it can be used rather like a salad onion.

If you leave it to develop small bulbs, it’s ideal for pickling.

But there are a few important things to understand.

When should you sow silverskin onions in the UK?

Do you need to thin the seedlings?

How closely should you plant them?

How long will they take to grow?

And how do you stop them becoming too large for your pickling jars?

In this complete guide, I’ll explain everything from preparing the seedbed to harvesting your own beautiful little white onions.

So let’s get sowing!

What Are Silverskin Onions?

Silverskin onions are small white onions commonly grown for pickling.

The name is especially associated with the traditional variety ‘Paris Silverskin’.

These onions develop pale, silvery-white skins and relatively small bulbs.

They’re part of the ordinary onion species, Allium cepa, but their growing method and harvesting size are different from a typical large maincrop onion.

Are Silverskin Onions the Same as Pickling Onions?

Silverskin onions are a type commonly used for pickling.

However, other onion varieties can also be pickled.

Are They Pearl Onions?

The names sometimes overlap in everyday cooking, but they aren’t always identical varieties.

Can You Eat Silverskin Onions Fresh?

Absolutely.

They’re useful as young salad onions and can also be cooked whole.

Do They Produce Large Bulbs?

They’re normally grown for relatively small bulbs.

Are They Easy to Grow?

Yes, particularly if you prepare the soil properly and keep young seedlings weed-free.

Why Grow ‘Paris Silverskin’ Onions?

‘Paris Silverskin’ is an old, established onion variety that’s been grown for generations.

It’s particularly valued because it develops small white bulbs suitable for traditional pickled onions.

UK seed suppliers also describe it as a dual-purpose variety.

You can harvest the young plants for salads or allow them to develop small bulbs.

Why Is It Good for Pickling?

The small bulbs can be peeled and packed into jars whole.

Does It Have a Strong Flavour?

Like most onions, the flavour varies according to age and growing conditions.

Young silverskin onions are often crisp and relatively mild, while mature small bulbs can have a more pronounced onion flavour.

Can You Use Them in Stews?

Yes.

Whole small onions are lovely in slow-cooked dishes.

Are They Worth Growing Instead of Ordinary Onions?

I’d grow them alongside your usual crop rather than replacing it.

Each type has different uses.

When to Sow Silverskin Onion Seeds in the UK

Choosing the right sowing date is important.

Seed companies give slightly different sowing windows for ‘Paris Silverskin’.

Kings Seeds recommends February to June, including early protected sowing.

Suttons lists March to July.

For outdoor allotment growing in northern England, April to June is a practical main sowing period, depending on weather and soil conditions.

Can You Sow in February?

Yes, particularly in modules under cover if you can provide suitable growing conditions.

Can You Sow in March?

Yes, when the soil is ready or under protection.

Is April a Good Month?

Absolutely.

April is an excellent month to begin direct sowing if the seedbed is workable.

What About May?

May is another very useful sowing month.

Can You Sow in June?

Yes, if your seed packet recommends it.

Can You Sow in July?

Some suppliers allow July sowing, but successful maturity depends on the remaining season and your local conditions.

My Recommendation

For a Yorkshire allotment, I’d try one sowing in April and a second smaller sowing in May.

That will help spread your harvest.

Where Is the Best Place to Grow Silverskin Onions?

Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil.

Silverskin onions don’t need a particularly deep or complicated growing bed, but the small seeds benefit from a fine, firm surface.

Do They Need Full Sun?

Full sun gives them the best chance of producing healthy leaves and bulbs.

Can You Grow Them in Partial Shade?

Some growth is possible, but it’s not ideal for a productive crop.

Can They Grow in Clay Soil?

Yes, provided the clay drains adequately and you can prepare a fine seedbed.

What About Raised Beds?

Raised beds can be excellent because the soil is easy to manage.

Are Containers Suitable?

Yes.

A reasonably deep pot or trough with adequate drainage can support a small crop.

Gardening with Ben Tip

If your allotment soil stays sticky and wet during spring, don’t rush into sowing tiny onion seeds. Wait until the soil crumbles rather than sticking together in heavy lumps.

How to Prepare the Soil for Silverskin Onions

Good seedbed preparation is one of the most important parts of growing silverskin onions successfully.

Unlike onion sets, which are small bulbs that are easy to handle, silverskin onion seeds are relatively small.

They need good soil contact and a suitable surface for germination.

Start by removing weeds and old crop debris.

Break up any large clods using a rake.

Remove stones that may interfere with the seed drill.

If the soil needs improvement, add mature garden compost well before sowing.

Avoid using fresh manure immediately before planting.

Several seed suppliers specifically advise against sowing into recently manured ground.

Should the Soil Be Firm?

Yes, reasonably firm rather than excessively loose.

Do You Need Rich Soil?

Moderate fertility is useful, but excessive fertiliser isn’t necessary.

Should You Water Before Sowing?

If the soil is dry, you can water the drill before placing the seeds.

Can You Use a No-Dig Bed?

Yes.

A fine layer of mature compost can provide a suitable sowing surface where conditions allow.

How to Sow Paris Silverskin Onion Seeds – Step by Step

Here’s how I’d recommend sowing ‘Paris Silverskin’ directly into your allotment soil.

Step 1: Choose Fresh Seeds

Use a suitable packet from a reputable UK seed supplier.

Step 2: Check the Sowing Period

Make sure the date matches the packet recommendations.

Step 3: Clear the Bed

Remove weeds and unwanted debris.

Step 4: Rake the Soil

Create a fine, even seedbed.

Step 5: Mark Your Rows

Use a garden line or straight cane.

Step 6: Leave Approximately 30 cm Between Rows

This gives you room for weeding and harvesting.

Step 7: Make a Shallow Drill

Aim for around 13–15 mm deep.

Step 8: Water if Necessary

Moisten dry soil before sowing.

Step 9: Sow the Seeds

Distribute them reasonably evenly along the drill.

You can sow fairly closely, but avoid dumping large clumps of seed into one spot.

Step 10: Cover With Fine Soil

Lightly cover the seeds.

Step 11: Firm Gently

Ensure good contact between the seeds and soil.

Step 12: Label the Row

Record the variety and sowing date.

Step 13: Protect the Seedbed if Needed

Horticultural fleece or properly installed fine insect mesh may help protect young plants.

Step 14: Keep the Soil Moist

Don’t allow the seedbed to dry out completely during germination.

Step 15: Weed Regularly

Remove weeds before they compete with the young onion plants.

That’s the direct-sowing method!

How Deep Should You Sow Silverskin Onion Seeds?

The usual recommended depth for ‘Paris Silverskin’ is around 13–15 mm.

That’s approximately half an inch.

What Happens if You Sow Too Deeply?

The seedlings may struggle to emerge.

Can You Sow Too Shallowly?

Yes.

Very shallow seeds can dry out or be disturbed.

Is the Depth Different in Raised Beds?

No, use the same basic seed-sowing guidance.

What About Containers?

Again, follow the packet instructions.

My Recommendation

Make a shallow, consistent drill rather than guessing at different depths along the row.

How Long Do Silverskin Onion Seeds Take to Germinate?

Silverskin onion seeds sometimes take longer to appear than gardeners expect.

Chiltern Seeds advises that ‘Paris Silverskin’ may take around 18–24 days to germinate.

Germination speed depends on soil temperature, moisture and seed quality.

Will They Germinate Faster in Warm Soil?

Suitable warmth generally encourages faster germination.

What If Nothing Appears After One Week?

Don’t panic.

You may simply need to allow more time.

Can Dry Soil Stop Germination?

Yes.

What If the Seedbed Is Waterlogged?

Excessively wet conditions can damage seeds or developing seedlings.

When Should You Consider Resowing?

If the expected germination period has passed and careful inspection suggests the seeds have failed.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Always label your onion rows. It’s easy to forget exactly where slow-germinating seeds have been planted.

Do You Need to Thin Paris Silverskin Onions?

This is an interesting part of growing silverskin onions because seed suppliers recommend different methods.

Chiltern Seeds recommends relatively dense sowing without thinning.

Suttons also describes ‘Paris Silverskin’ as requiring no thinning.

However, Kings Seeds recommends thinning outdoor plants to approximately 7 cm apart when producing small bulbs for pickling.

Both approaches can work.

Why Leave Plants Close Together?

Close spacing helps limit the final bulb size.

Why Thin to 7 cm?

It gives individual plants more room and may produce somewhat larger, more uniform bulbs.

Which Method Is Best?

It depends on the size of onion you want.

What If You Want Very Small Onions?

Try relatively close sowing.

What If You Want Slightly Larger Bulbs?

Thin the plants appropriately.

My Recommendation

Why not try both?

Sow two short rows.

Leave one relatively closely spaced and thin the other to around 7 cm.

Then compare the harvests.

That’s one of the great things about allotment gardening.

Can You Start Silverskin Onions in Modules?

Yes.

Kings Seeds recommends sowing three or four seeds per module for early crops under cover.

It suggests a germination temperature around 14°C for this method.

When Should You Sow in Modules?

Early sowings can begin in late winter.

How Many Seeds?

Three or four per module is a suitable method.

Should You Separate the Seedlings?

No, not if you’re intentionally growing clusters of small onions.

When Do You Plant Them Outside?

After hardening off, when conditions are suitable.

How Far Apart Should the Clusters Be?

Kings Seeds recommends around 7 cm between module-grown clusters for this particular method.

Is Module Growing Necessary?

No.

Direct sowing is usually simpler once outdoor soil conditions improve.

How to Succession Sow Silverskin Onions

Succession sowing means planting small batches at different times rather than sowing the entire packet at once.

It’s particularly useful if you want fresh young onions over a longer period.

When Should You Make Another Sowing?

A few weeks after the first, within the recommended sowing window.

Should You Sow Every Week?

That’s usually unnecessary.

Can You Sow in April and May?

Yes.

What About June?

Many ‘Paris Silverskin’ seed packets allow June sowings.

Why Is Succession Sowing Useful?

It can spread harvesting dates and reduce the chance of having every bulb ready at once.

Is It Useful for Pickling?

Yes, although you might prefer one larger harvest if you’re planning to prepare several jars together.

My Recommendation

Decide whether you want fresh salad onions over several months or one larger crop for making preserves.

Growing Silverskin Onions in Raised Beds

Raised beds are an excellent option for silverskin onions.

They provide a manageable area where you can prepare a fine seedbed and weed regularly.

Can You Sow Directly?

Yes.

What Soil Should You Use?

Fertile, well-drained soil with a fine surface.

Does a Raised Bed Need Full Sun?

Ideally, yes.

Can You Plant in Short Rows?

Absolutely.

Do Raised Beds Dry Out More Quickly?

Sometimes, particularly during warm weather.

My Recommendation

A small section of one raised bed can produce a very useful harvest of pickling onions.

Growing Silverskin Onions in Pots

You can also grow silverskin onions in a patio pot or trough.

This makes them suitable for gardeners without an allotment.

Use a container with drainage holes and enough growing medium for the plants to develop.

Can You Direct Sow into the Pot?

Yes.

Do You Need a Large Container?

A reasonably wide and deep container is preferable, although you don’t need the same spacing as full-sized storage onions.

What Compost Should You Choose?

Good-quality peat-free compost with adequate drainage.

Can You Grow Them on a Balcony?

Yes, provided there’s enough light and the filled container is safely supported.

Do Potted Silverskin Onions Need More Water?

They may require more frequent moisture checks.

What’s My Recommendation?

Use a wide trough so you can sow short rows and harvest the bulbs conveniently.

How Often Should You Water Silverskin Onions?

Watering is especially important during seed germination.

Tiny seedlings can struggle if the soil repeatedly dries out.

However, onions also dislike prolonged waterlogging.

During Germination

Keep the seedbed appropriately moist.

During Early Growth

Water when necessary.

During Dry Summer Weather

Check soil moisture regularly.

Can You Overwater?

Absolutely.

Should You Water Every Day?

Not automatically.

What About Pots?

Containers need closer monitoring.

My Recommendation

Water according to the weather and the actual soil conditions.

What Fertiliser Do Silverskin Onions Need?

Silverskin onions need healthy soil, but they aren’t being grown for enormous bulbs.

Avoid assuming that extra fertiliser will always produce a better crop.

Should You Add Mature Compost?

Yes, when needed to improve soil structure and fertility.

Can You Use Chicken Manure Pellets?

Where appropriate, following label instructions.

Do You Need Weekly Liquid Feed?

Not normally for healthy outdoor crops in reasonably fertile ground.

Is Too Much Nitrogen a Problem?

Yes.

Excessive nitrogen can encourage leafy growth and affect maturity.

What About Container Plants?

They may require additional nutrients when their compost becomes depleted.

My Recommendation

Start with healthy soil and use additional feeding only when there’s a clear need.

When Are Silverskin Onions Ready to Harvest?

One advantage of ‘Paris Silverskin’ is that it grows relatively quickly.

Chiltern Seeds advises harvesting around 12–14 weeks after sowing in suitable conditions.

However, the exact date depends on the weather, sowing time and your preferred bulb size.

Can You Harvest Them Young?

Yes.

Tender plants can be used as salad onions.

When Are They Ready for Pickling?

When the bulbs have reached the size you want for your recipe.

Should You Wait for Huge Bulbs?

No.

Can You Leave Them Too Long?

Yes.

The bulbs may become larger than you want.

Can You Harvest in Stages?

Absolutely.

My Recommendation

Begin checking the onions before the expected harvest date so you don’t miss the size you’re aiming for.

How to Harvest Silverskin Onions

Harvesting small onions is straightforward, but take care not to damage them.

Step 1: Check the Bulb Size

Gently move aside a little soil.

Step 2: Choose Suitable Bulbs

Select those that have reached your preferred size.

Step 3: Loosen the Soil

Use a hand fork if necessary.

Step 4: Lift Carefully

Avoid damaging the bulbs.

Step 5: Shake Off Loose Soil

Remove excess soil without bruising.

Step 6: Sort by Size

Keep similarly sized onions together for convenient cooking or pickling.

Step 7: Inspect the Harvest

Discard any bulbs showing rot or serious damage.

Step 8: Decide How You’ll Use Them

Use them fresh, cook them whole or prepare them using a suitable pickling recipe.

How to Prepare Silverskin Onions for Pickling

If you’ve grown silverskin onions specifically for making traditional pickled onions, the next step is preparing the crop.

Start by choosing healthy bulbs.

Remove soil, wash appropriately and peel the skins according to your chosen recipe.

Trim the root ends carefully without cutting unnecessarily deeply into the onion.

Should You Sort by Size?

Yes.

It helps make preparation more consistent.

Do You Need to Dry the Onions First?

That depends on the recipe and whether you’re using freshly harvested or cured bulbs.

Can You Blanch the Onions to Help Peeling?

Some recipes use a brief blanch to loosen skins.

Follow your chosen recipe rather than adding an extra step automatically.

Can You Use Any Vinegar?

For preserved pickles, use the type and acidity specified by a tested recipe.

Can You Make Shelf-Stable Pickles Without a Tested Method?

No.

Onions are a low-acid food, so safe shelf-stable preserving requires a tested recipe with correct acid proportions and processing instructions.

What If You’re Making Refrigerator Pickles?

Keep them refrigerated and follow a suitable recipe’s storage period.

Gardening with Ben Tip

Grow your silverskin onions to a size that matches your jars. It’s much easier than trying to squeeze large bulbs into a container later.

Can You Eat Silverskin Onions Without Pickling Them?

Absolutely.

Although they’re famous for traditional pickles, silverskin onions can be used in other ways.

Fresh Salads

Harvest young and slice finely.

Whole Roasted Onions

Roast small bulbs until tender.

Winter Stews

Add peeled bulbs whole.

Casseroles

Their small size makes them convenient.

Buttered Small Onions

Cook until tender and finish with butter and herbs.

Homemade Onion Gravy

Use silverskin onions alongside larger cooking onions.

Mini Vegetables

Harvest small, tender bulbs as part of a mixed vegetable dish.

It’s worth remembering that you don’t have to pickle every onion you grow!

Common Silverskin Onion Growing Problems

Poor Germination

Possible causes include dry soil, old seeds and unsuitable temperatures.

Seedlings Disappearing

Birds, slugs, pests or seedling disease may be responsible.

Bulbs Remaining Very Small

Overcrowding, poor light and inadequate moisture or nutrients can affect growth.

Bulbs Becoming Too Large

They may have been thinned more widely or left too long before harvesting.

Yellowing Leaves

This can indicate maturity, drought, waterlogging or disease.

Onion Fly

Larvae may damage the developing bulbs.

Onion White Rot

This serious soil-borne disease can cause wilting and decay.

Onion Downy Mildew

Humid conditions can encourage damaging leaf disease.

What Should You Do?

Check the soil, growing conditions, plant age and any visible pest or disease symptoms before deciding on treatment.

Silverskin Onion Growing Calendar

Month	Main jobs
January	Choose seeds and prepare the growing plan
February	Start suitable seeds under cover
March	Prepare outdoor soil and continue early sowings
April	Direct sow ‘Paris Silverskin’ into workable ground
May	Continue sowing, weed and check germination
June	Make suitable later sowings; monitor early bulbs
July	Begin harvesting early crops for salads and pickling
August	Harvest main crops and prepare onions for cooking
September	Finish later harvests where appropriate
October	Clear spent growing areas and plan rotation
November	Review sowing and spacing results
December	Plan next season’s onion-growing and preserving projects

Ten Common Silverskin Onion Growing Mistakes

1. Buying the Wrong Variety

Choose a genuine small-bulb pickling variety.

2. Sowing into Saturated Soil

Wait until the ground is workable.

3. Making the Seed Drill Too Deep

Follow the recommended 13–15 mm sowing depth.

4. Forgetting How Long Germination Can Take

Allow sufficient time before resowing.

5. Letting the Seedbed Dry Out

Maintain appropriate moisture during germination.

6. Leaving Weeds to Grow

Onion seedlings compete poorly with weeds.

7. Thinning Everything to Standard Onion Spacing

This may produce larger bulbs than you want.

8. Overfeeding

Excess fertiliser isn’t necessary for small pickling onions.

9. Harvesting Too Late

Bulbs can become oversized.

10. Using an Untested Pickling Recipe for Shelf Storage

Always follow validated food-preservation guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Silverskin Onions

Can you grow silverskin onions in the UK?

Yes. ‘Paris Silverskin’ is widely sold by UK seed suppliers and grows well in suitable conditions.

What variety should you grow?

‘Paris Silverskin’ is an excellent traditional choice.

When do you sow Paris Silverskin onions?

Usually from spring into early summer, with some earlier sowings under cover.

Can you sow silverskin onions in April?

Yes.

Can you sow them in June?

Yes, where the seed packet recommends it.

How deep should you sow silverskin onions?

Approximately 13–15 mm.

How far apart should the rows be?

Around 30 cm.

Do you need to thin Paris Silverskin onions?

Not always. Some suppliers advise no thinning, while others recommend thinning to around 7 cm.

How long do the seeds take to germinate?

They may take approximately 18–24 days in suitable conditions.

How long do silverskin onions take to grow?

Some suppliers recommend harvesting around 12–14 weeks from sowing, depending on conditions and desired size.

Can you grow them in raised beds?

Absolutely.

Can you grow them in pots?

Yes.

Can you start them in modules?

Yes. Several seeds can be grown together as a clump.

Can silverskin onions grow in clay soil?

Yes, provided drainage is good and the seedbed is suitable.

Do they need full sun?

Full sun is best.

Why are my silverskin onions too small?

Crowding, poor light, drought or inadequate soil conditions may be involved.

Why are my silverskin onions too large?

You may have allowed them to mature longer than necessary for your chosen recipe.

Can you harvest them as salad onions?

Yes.

When do you harvest them for pickling?

When the bulbs reach the size you want.

Are silverskin onions the same as White Lisbon?

No. ‘White Lisbon’ is mainly grown as a salad onion, while ‘Paris Silverskin’ is commonly grown for small pickling bulbs.

Can you use silverskin onions in casseroles?

Yes.

Can you preserve silverskin onions at home?

Yes, using an appropriate tested preserving method.

Do homemade pickled silverskin onions need refrigerating?

That depends on the validated recipe and processing method. Refrigerator pickles must be kept chilled.

Final Thoughts: Growing Your Own Silverskin Onions

For me, growing silverskin onions is a fantastic little project for any allotment gardener.

They’re easy to fit into a relatively small growing area and produce something that’s particularly useful in the kitchen.

You don’t have to grow the biggest onions possible.

In fact, with ‘Paris Silverskin’, the aim is to produce lots of lovely small bulbs.

And that’s what makes this crop so interesting.

I’d recommend starting with one or two short rows during spring.

Prepare a fine seedbed, sow the seeds at the correct depth and keep the soil appropriately moist.

Then give the seedlings enough time to germinate.

Don’t worry if they don’t appear immediately.

Silverskin onions can take longer to germinate than you might expect.

As the plants develop, decide whether you’d like very small bulbs or something slightly larger.

You can experiment with close spacing and thinning to see which method produces the best results.

And once the onions begin reaching your preferred size, start harvesting.

That’s when the fun really begins.

You could enjoy some fresh in salads.

You could roast a few whole.

Or you could use your harvest to make a batch of traditional homemade silverskin pickled onions.

Just make sure you follow a suitable tested preserving recipe, particularly if you want to store the finished jars outside the fridge.

I think there’s something brilliant about opening a jar of pickled onions and knowing you’ve grown the whole crop yourself.

So why not add ‘Paris Silverskin’ to your seed list?

It’s a fantastic traditional variety and another great way to get more out of your allotment.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!