Golden onion Semko: variety description, photos, reviews

Golden onion Semko F1 is an early-ripening, productive hybrid of the first generation, resistant to unfavorable germination conditions. It is a universal variety, suitable for fresh consumption. After heat treatment, it loses its pungency and acquires a softer taste.

Description and characteristics of onions of the Golden Semko variety

The hybrid was bred by Russian breeders based on the Dutch Red Semko onion. It was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2000. The originator of the variety is the Moscow agricultural company Semko-Junior.

Onion set Golden Semko has established itself as a universal, unpretentious variety with stable yield. It hardly causes tears when cleaning. The taste qualities of the Golden Semko onion are assessed by experts as excellent.

Appearance

Hybrid F1 grows in large single bulbs without forming nests. The fruit of the Semko variety is smooth, round in shape, covered in golden-colored husk. The neck of the turnip is thin.The inside of the fruit is white, juicy, with a specific pungent taste.

There are few scales on the Golden Semko bulb, mostly 2-3 layers

The aerial part of the plant consists of hollow feathers of bright green color. They reach a height of 30-35 cm, slightly sharp. Up to 40 feathers are formed on one turnip.

Ripening time and yield

Golden onion Semko F1 belongs to the early ripening type. No more than 2.5 months pass from the emergence of seedlings to harvesting. The weight of one bulb is 75-80 g, the yield is 1 m² – 4-5 kg. Shelf life – 5-7 months.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Onion Golden Semko F1 is immune to diseases of the Onion family. But unfavorable weather conditions and non-compliance with agricultural practices lead to the development of fungal diseases: spotting, fusarium, various types of rot, powdery mildew.

The most dangerous pests for the Golden Semko variety are thrips, caterpillars, and onion fly.

Composition and properties

The beneficial properties of onions include:

antibacterial effect on intestinal microflora, improvement of metabolism;
enriching the body with vitamins and microelements;
optimization of the body’s protective properties, reducing the risk of developing cancer;
removal of toxins.

Hybrid Golden Semko is rich in vitamins and microelements. The chemical composition includes: manganese – 11.5%, cobalt – 50%; silicon – 16.7%, vitamin C – 11.1%.

Application

Golden onion Semko is used in cooking. It is included in many dishes. They are eaten raw, boiled, fried, and caramelized. Golden Semko is used as a flavoring additive for meat and fish dishes, for making sauces, pies, and gravies.

In folk medicine and cosmetology, onions are used to prepare masks for rejuvenating and restoring skin and strengthening hair.

Growing regions

Hybrid Golden Semko F1 is recommended to be cultivated as an annual crop. Cultivation is carried out outdoors. Both southern regions and regions with temperate climates are suitable. In the northern regions, the hybrid is grown in a greenhouse. In this case, the plantings need to be illuminated.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before choosing a variety for planting in a particular region, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics, advantages and possible disadvantages. Golden onion Semko F1 is in demand among vegetable growers, because it is unpretentious and does not require special care.

The vegetable contains many useful chemical elements, so it is used for summer salads, frying and baking.

Pros:

easily tolerates temperature fluctuations;
has immunity to pests and diseases;
shows high productivity in any climatic zone;
easy to care for;
shelf life of finished products is 5-7 months;
two methods of planting - seeds and bulbs;
good product and taste qualities.

The disadvantages include the fact that the Golden onion Semko F1 is not suitable for growing by feathers. Farmers have learned to cope with the increase in growing season in the northern regions. In recent years, the hybrid has been cultivated using seedlings.

Landing dates

Semko onion sets are planted in early spring or before winter. In this case, the average daily soil temperature should not be lower than +10 °C. If the hybrid is planted before winter, the area must be mulched with a layer of compost, and when the first frosts arrive, cover it with branches of coniferous trees. With the arrival of spring warmth, the spruce branches are removed.

Important! The best predecessors for Golden Semko onions are cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, and cucumbers.

How to plant

The beds for planting the F1 hybrid are equipped in a well-lit area. In shaded corners the turnip turns out small, deformed, with arrows. The soil for onions should have a neutral pH level (can be cultivated in slightly alkaline soil). Golden Semko loves moderate humidity.

Growing from seeds

The hybrid seed material is sown in grooves 2 cm deep. The spacing between rows is 10-15 cm. The seed material is distributed separately, 1.5-2 cm apart from each other. If you sow Golden Semko F1 thicker, you will have to thin out, otherwise the turnips will not develop to required sizes.

After placing the seeds in the grooves, sprinkle them and be sure to water them. Before the first shoots appear, it is recommended to cover the plantings. As soon as the feathers of the Golden Semko onion hatch, the shelter is removed. Under favorable climatic conditions, the first shoots should be expected in 10-14 days.

Cultivation of onion Golden Semko with seeds is suitable for the southern regions

In regions with a warm climate, conditions are favorable for obtaining a harvest from seed material in one season.

Planting sets

Before planting, it is recommended to immerse bulb sets of Golden Semko in a solution of copper sulfate or water for 20 minutes

After pre-planting treatment, turnips should be washed and dried. When planting wet material there is a high risk of rot developing.

Before sowing, Golden onions Semko are calibrated, dividing into three fractions.

The recommended row spacing is 20-25 cm, the distance between the bulbs is 10 cm, the depth of the furrows is 5 cm. The turnip is sprinkled with earth so that 3–5 mm remains above the surface.

Important! It is not recommended to deeply bury the seeds of the Zolotisty Semko variety into the ground; the fruit will have an unnatural cylindrical shape.

Sets located close to the surface will also have an incorrect configuration of the turnip. After planting, the beds are sprinkled with a layer of sand (up to 5 mm), and the area is leveled.

Features of care

Golden Semko onions are cared for for the first two months. The crop needs watering, loosening the soil, and fertilizing.

Watering

The first eight weeks from the moment of planting, the Semko F1 hybrid should be intensively irrigated. To do this, use warm water, preferably settled. Depending on climatic conditions, the frequency of watering is adjusted. On average, the beds are irrigated once every seven days. In dry weather, the number of waterings is increased, in rainy weather - reduced. Three weeks before harvesting from the beds, moistening is stopped.

If Golden onion Semko is cultivated in a greenhouse, irrigation is carried out by drip. Excessive amounts of moisture lead to rotting of the turnip.

Weeding, loosening

During the period of active growth of Semko F1 onions, it is necessary to regularly weed. On loose, well-aerated soil, the yield is many times higher. Manipulations are carried out at least once a week; it is recommended to do this the next day after watering.

Top dressing

It is necessary to fertilize the area where you plan to cultivate Semko onions before planting. The first time fertilizer is applied during autumn preparation. Secondary fertilizing is carried out immediately before sowing. A solution of cow manure or chicken manure is suitable, the consumption rate is 3 l/m².

The third feeding of the hybrid is carried out two weeks after the sprouts appear. To do this, dissolve 30 g of urea in a bucket of water. The volume is sufficient to water an area of 2 m².

Harvest and storage

Drooping feathers and a slightly dried neck of a turnip warn that it’s time to harvest. The hybrid is harvested in clear, dry weather. After removing the onion from the ground, it is spread out under a canopy. Before storing the Golden Semko onions, allow the turnips to dry for several weeks. After which rotten and damaged specimens are selected.

Disease and pest control

When the first signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to treat the beds with fungicidal preparations. Previkur, Maxim, Skor are considered the most effective.

To avoid contamination of the area, it is recommended to sort out the planting material. Rotten and untrustworthy bulbs are discarded. The fungus actively develops in acidic soils. Therefore, the soil is limed with dolomite flour.

To prevent the appearance of harmful insects, onion beds should be alternated with carrots.

Effective pest repellents are: treating the sowing and seed material with a solution of copper sulfate (1%), spraying the greens with a soap solution.

Conclusion

Golden onion Semko F1 is unpretentious in care, adapts well to any climatic zone, has immunity to most diseases, and is rarely affected by harmful insects. To avoid the occurrence of diseases and crop damage by parasites, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures in a timely manner.

Reviews from gardeners about onions Golden Semko

Anastasia, 43 years old, Tula

Our climate is temperate continental, but the Semko Golden hybrid (I’ve been growing only this for several years) manages to ripen. The only drawback is that you cannot collect the seeds yourself; you have to buy them every year. The turnips are the same size and taste sweet.

Gennady, 65 years old, Krasnodar

Last year I bought Golden Semko F1 seeds for the first time. They cost a little more than other types of onions, so I took a few bags to try. I was pleased with the harvest. The hybrid is easy to care for and produces beautiful, even, golden heads. There is practically no bitterness in the taste.

Natalya Petrovna, 58 years old, Volgograd

I have been growing Semko F1 onions for five years and have never been left without a harvest. I used to use the seedling method, but for the last two years I’ve just sowed seeds. Shoots are always friendly, the yield is excellent. The taste is excellent. I use it for making salads, stir-fries, and in marinades.