Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Dive into the world of hybrid onions and discover how they are revolutionizing onion farming in Kenya. With yield potentials ranging from 20-40 tons per acre, hybrid onions, such as the Red Coach F1 and Malbec F1, are gaining popularity among Kenyan farmers. In this guide, we explore the attributes of Red Coach F1, a high-yielding early maturing variety, and provide valuable insights into nursery establishment, transplanting, spacing, maturity, harvesting, and storage techniques. They are early maturing variety that matures in 75days after transplanting. A high yielder giving a farmer over 23tones per acre of onion bulbs at harvest on average, Excellent medium to large sized bulbs which are very uniform, The bulbs possess a shiny red coloured outer skin and a more red internal flesh with excellent FLAVOR &PUNGENCY. Bulbs as well possess a perfect shelf life of up-to 6months from harvest time. This variety exhibits self curing character.(the onion plants bend their necks uniformly on their own at maturity time.) This guarantees our farmers a uniform harvest. Important Attributes of Red Coach F1: Early maturing variety; 80-90 days from transplanting It’s a mid-short day hybrid red bulb onion variety It’s flattened globe shape bulb onion Produces medium to large dark red bulbs Very vigorous plant with strong root system which makes it ideal for hot growing conditions Has firm bulbs with good storage ability of up to 3 months It’s a pink rot resistant variety which makes it ideal for most Kenyan soils It produces 25-30 tons of uniformly mature deep red bulbs Nursery Establishment: Make raised beds in rainy seasons and sunken beds in dry seasons of 1 m width and of any desired length. Apply well decomposed manure at the rate of 5kgs per square meter-mix and apply D.A.P at 0.5 kg per square meter . Make shallow furrows of 15 cm apart and 1-2 cm deep Plant the seeds and cover lightly with the soil and apply mulch Make raised beds in rainy seasons and sunken beds in dry seasons of 1 m width and of any desired length. Apply well decomposed manure at the rate of 5kgs per square meter-mix and apply D.A.P at 0.5 kg per square meter Make shallow furrows of 15 cm apart and 1-2 cm deep Plant the seeds and cover lightly with the soil and apply mulch Transplanting: Transplant of seedlings takes 6-8 weeks after sowing when they have attained pencil thickness and 15 cm of height. Transplant when seedlings have 3-5 well-formed leaves. Two weeks before transplanting, reduce the shade to improve seedling survival rate in the field Spacing: Onions are spaced at 30 cm by 7-10 cm Maturity: Red coach F1 takes 3 months to full physiological maturity Harvesting: Onions are ready to harvest when they form a shiny membranous cover around the bulbs or when the foliage withers. Harvest when rains are little or during dry season, Harvesting is done by pulling the bulbs carefully from the soil then chopping off the leaves or by bunching the onions together and hanging them up in an airy space for about a week until all the outer leaves are nicely dried then bulbs can be easily pulled from the bunches. Storage: Don’t store freshly harvested bulbs on the floor, the floor increases humidity hence high rate of rotting. Put onions in loose bags/nets and store them in a well-constructed storage facility As hybrid onions pave the way for increased yields and profitability in Kenyan farming, Onion Doctor stands as a reliable partner for smallholder farmers. Contact us today for quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, expert agronomic support, and a range of services designed to optimize yields and maximize profits in your farming venture. Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.

Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Unlock the secrets of successful onion farming in Kenya as we delve into various onion varieties, cultivation techniques, and the invaluable support offered by Onion Doctor. From choosing the right onion type to mastering land preparation and harvesting, this guide is your key to optimizing yields and maximizing profits. There are several varieties of onions farmed in Kenya. These varieties are based on the climatic conditions they thrive best in. The most common types include: Bombay Red: Does well in warmer and dry conditions. Its seeds produce small to medium-sized onions which are deep purple, globe-shaped, and very pungent.  Texas Early Grano: This variety is high yielding and well adapted for the tropics. It takes 120 days to mature from transplanting. The type is characterized by its white color and is best for preparing salads. Red Creole: This variety is characterized by its spicy taste. It has a red, flat-round, globular bulb appearance. Red Pinoy F1; The breed has a maturity duration of 90 days from transplanting and a storage period of up to 6 months at room temperature and has an intense urgency. It’s tolerant to purple blotch, and it has the potential to yield 30 tonnes per acre. Jamber F1: Jamber F1 has a dark red globe appearance. It can be grown in open fields and greenhouses and is easy to cure. Jamber F1 produces large bulbs with a yielding potential of up to 23 tonnes per acre. Neptune F1: This is a wide variety of shining red bulbs. They are best for salads due to their excellent spice. They have red skin and a flattened globe shape. They take around 120 days to mature and have a storage duration of 120 days. Land Preparation for Bulb Onion: Plough your land as deep as possible 2 to 3 weeks before planting. Harrow the field 2 to 3 times to achieve the fine tilth required for growing onions. Onion strives best in deep, well-drained soil and on a well-prepared seedbed. Apply 400kg per every 100m2 or 40 tonnes of well decomposed organic manure and thoroughly mix with the soil. Nursery Preparation:  Make a nursery for your seedlings near the planting field to make it easier during transplanting. Here is a guide to follow when preparing your seedling nursery. The seedbed should be under shade, or you can also prepare a raised cover to protect seedlings from direct sunlight. Adjust the bed to 1m wide while mixing well-decomposed compost manure. Make rows 1.5cm apart on the seedbed and drill the seed thinly 1cm deep. Cover your seedbed using soil and mulch. Onions germinate within 7-10 days. Ensure you water the seedbed daily, but don’t flood it. Remove the mulch once the seeds germinate. Do you need training and guidance on how to work around your nursery beds, we Onion Doctor are here for you, we offer agronomical support for the entire season at a very competitive cost. Reach to us for a quotation. Transplant: Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they have 3-5 well formed leaves. with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Optimum temperature ranges from 15℃ − 30℃.  It is advisable to till the land 2-3weeks before transplanting and harrow 1- 2times to obtain a fine tilth suitable during onion production.  The seedlings once they reach pencil thickness, around 6 to 8 weeks after sowing in the nursery. For seedlings raised in nursery plant at a spacing of 10cm by 8cm from one plant to another and 30cm between rows. Drill holes 2.5cm deep and 10cm apart for direct seeding, thin seedlings 4-6 weeks after they reach 10-15cm height, and ensure the plant spacing is 10cm by 8cm or 10cm by 10cm. Onions Harvesting:  Onion harvesting takes time and requires hot weather conditions. The suitable period to harvest onion is during the dry seasons. The onions can be dried and cured faster during this season, extending their shelf life. Bulb onions are ready for harvesting once they form a shiny membranous cover around the bulbs or when the foliage withers. Spring onions are ready for harvesting when they are 15 centimeters tall and 1.5 centimeters thick. Harvesting is done by pulling the bulbs and then chopping off the leaves. Embark on a successful onion farming journey with the knowledge shared in this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting, Onion Doctor is your partner for success. Contact us for quality onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning services, and expert support throughout the season. With Onion Doctor, optimize your yields and achieve maximum profits in your onion farming venture. Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.

Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Embarking on onion farming in Kenya? Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a novice, understanding the nuances of cultivating this hardy plant is crucial for success. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of growing onions, incorporating essential tips for optimal results. Join us as we explore the key factors that contribute to a thriving onion harvest, all while weaving in the expertise of Onion Doctor, dedicated to supporting smallholder farmers across Africa. Soil Preparation for Successful Onion Farming Growing onions successfully starts with the right foundation—well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Striking the perfect balance is essential; overly rich soil may lead to excessive top growth, resulting in smaller bulbs. Begin by cultivating the soil deeply with a fork, ensuring it remains soft for optimal onion development. Keywords: Onion farming, well-drained soil, organic matter, soil preparation. Strategic Sowing Techniques To achieve a bountiful harvest, strategic sowing is paramount. Plant onion seeds thinly along a prepared row, avoiding overcrowding that necessitates extensive thinning. Consider planting in single wide-spaced rows or multiple closer rows to maximize land use efficiency. Once the onions reach a height of about 5 cm, thin them to approximately 100mm apart, allowing for healthy growth. Keywords: Onion seeds, sowing techniques, thinning, land use efficiency. Seasonal Considerations for Onion Farming Timing is crucial in onion farming, and understanding the optimal seasons for sowing is key. In Kenya, onion seeds can be sown twice a year. Consider early spring (July or August) for rapid growth, but be mindful of colder areas. Alternatively, autumn sowing with germination and slow winter growth is a viable option. For those seeking spring plantings, onion seedlings can be purchased and planted to save time. Keywords: Seasonal onion farming, spring and autumn sowing, seedling planting. Managing Pests and Diseases During the growing season, onions face challenges from thrips, mildew, and botrytis. Vigilant pest and disease management is crucial for a healthy crop. Stay ahead by implementing preventive measures and addressing issues promptly to safeguard your onion harvest. Keywords: Onion pests, thrips, mildew, botrytis, disease management. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Practices Understanding the growth cycle of onions is essential for harvesting at the right time. Onions typically cease growth on the longest day of the year, around December 22nd. Harvesting small onions early is an option, or you can leave mature onions on the ground to dry out, with tops bent over if desired. Once dry, remove the tops or use them for tying onions in a dry, airy shed. Keywords: Onion harvesting, growth cycle, post-harvest practices. As you venture into the world of onion farming in Kenya, remember that success lies in meticulous planning, timely actions, and expert guidance. Onion Doctor stands as a beacon of support for smallholder farmers, offering quality seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, irrigation solutions, agronomic support, and comprehensive training. With this guide and the expertise of Onion Doctor, optimize your yields and reap maximum profits from your onion farming endeavors. Keywords: Onion farming success, Onion Doctor, smallholder farmers, optimal yields.