Possibly not enough nitrogen? Onions are heavy feeders and each leaf they grow adds a layer to the onion. If they didn't get enough food they might be shy a few layers and end up thinner.

How close did you plant them? If you plant them closer than 2.5-3", that could contribute to their stunted shape. Generally, well grown onions with good fertility and water will fill the in-row space until they start to bump (as is the case with most root crops). If you want real lunker-onions, plant them 4 or 5 inches apart and get ready for the softball sized onions.

I did plant them at least 3"-4" apart, but didn't feed them. Next year I will definitely feed them. Thanks for your replies. I love all I've learned from the people on Gardenweb.

i've planted copra 4" on center and they were round, i now plant 6" on center for larger onions. are you sure you received the right onions? ammuming that you did, you say you tilled the soil over and over but has the soil had compost or manure added to it? soil needs organic matter not just tilling. also is your soil rocky? now is a good time to add manure and shredded leaves since you won't plant until spring. never add fresh manure to soil you are about to plant or that has plants growing in it as the salts will burn the plants. the exceptions are rabbit and llama manure.

tom

Did you trans - plant them out to the garden beds in March or April ?

Also, do you know of a source that sells the RED Zepplin seed or does Dixondale only sell plants ?