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Onion farming, particularly bulb and spring onions, plays a vital role in Kenya’s agricultural sector. Among the two, bulb onions are more popular due to their long shelf life and sweet taste. Price fluctuations often depend on the season and the variety grown, largely influenced by the lower-cost importation of onions from Tanzania. Onion Doctor emphasizes that timing is crucial for farmers to maximize profits, with the best planting and harvesting period falling between November and May when supply from Tanzania is minimal.
Ideal Onion Farming Regions in Kenya
The most suitable areas for growing onions in Kenya include:
- Kajiado
- Narok
- Kieni
- Karatina
- Oloitoktok
- Kakamega
- Naivasha
These regions provide the right conditions, including well-drained, fertile soils rich in humus, with an ideal pH of 5.8–6.5.
Selecting Onion Varieties
Farmers can choose from various high-performing onion seed varieties based on climate and soil conditions. Popular varieties include:
- Jambar F1
- Africa red F1
- Red Creole
- Red Couch F1
Seedling Establishment: Best Practices
An acre requires 1–1.5 kg of seeds depending on spacing. Onions can be grown through direct seeding or in nursery beds, with the latter being the preferred option for healthier seedlings.
Steps for Nursery Bed Preparation:
- Select a secure site near a water source and the production field.
- Raise the bed to 15 cm for better drainage, with a 1 m width for easy workability.
- Create shallow drills, 2 cm deep and 15 cm apart, and sow seeds mixed with sand in a 3:1 ratio.
- Cover the bed with nets or dry, pest-free grass.
Watering Schedule: Water twice weekly based on moisture levels. Seeds typically germinate within seven days.
Transplanting for Optimal Growth
Seedlings should be 4–6 weeks old, pencil-thick, 10–15 cm tall, and have 3–5 true leaves before transplanting.
Transplanting Tips:
- Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels.
- Prepare the land to a fine tilth, adding decomposed manure.
- Apply DAP fertilizer during planting and CAN fertilizer as a top-dress at week four.
- Transplant early morning or during cloudy weather to minimize shock.
Spacing Guidelines:
- 8–10 cm between seedlings.
- 15 cm inter-row spacing for better bulb development.
Watering, Pests, and Disease Management
Watering:
Drip irrigation is the best method, as it prevents waterlogging and fungal diseases caused by overhead watering. Avoid excess rain or irrigation by growing onions during short rains and raising beds for proper drainage.
Pests and Diseases:
Frequent scouting helps prevent and control common onion pests and diseases:
- Diseases: Downy Mildew, Bacterial Soft Rot, Pink/White Root, Botrytis, Rusts.
- Pests: Thrips, maggots, onion flies, red spider mites, nematodes, leaf miners.
Weed Management
Weeds compete for nutrients, light, and space, harboring pests and diseases. Conduct 2–3 weeding sessions per season using:
- Manual weeding methods.
- Herbicides like Commander 240EC for effective control.
Harvesting and Curing Onions
Onions mature in 4–5 months depending on the variety. Signs of maturity include yellowing and falling leaves.
Harvesting Process:
- Pull bulbs gently to avoid damage.
- Cure by sun-drying onions to allow outer layers to form a protective skin.
- Trim leaves and roots with a sharp knife for storage.
Why Choose Onion Doctor for Your Farming Needs?
Onion Doctor provides comprehensive support to smallholder farmers across Africa with:
- Affordable onion and garlic seedlings.
- Soil testing and farm planning services.
- Drip irrigation systems and maintenance.
- Agronomic support and on-farm training.
Our mission is to help farmers optimize yields and maximize profits with expert guidance tailored to their needs.