Ecological Requirements For Bulb Onions
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Onions can grow in a variety of climatic conditions and soil characteristics. For optimal growth, onions will require;
Bulb onions grow well in well-drained soils. You can also grow onions in shallow soils if you adapt in your management practices. Sandy to silty loams with fine tilth is adequate.
pH ranging from 6.0-6.8. This is to ensure your onions maintain good macronutrient uptake.
An altitude of below 1900 metres above sea level.
The temperature of about 15 – 30 degrees Celsius. If the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, it hastens maturity leading to the production of small bulbs, consequently lowering the yields. Cooler temperatures also encourage the spread of leaf diseases.
Well distributed rainfall of between 500 -700mm during the growth period. You should, however, note that during the maturity and curing process, dry weather will be more favorable.
Yield Per Acre For Bulb Onions: The maturity period and yield per acre of onions as per variety is as follows;
Red Pinoy- This variety takes 90 days after transplanting to mature. It has the ability to yield up to 30 tonnes per acre. It has a shelf life of 6months at room temperature and low humidity.
Bombay Red- This variety takes 150 days to mature after transplanting. It has the ability to yield up to 16 tonnes per acre.
Red Creole- This is a standard variety in Kenya due to its adaptability to various climatic conditions. It takes up to 150 days to mature after transplanting. You can harvest up to 16 tonnes per acre when farming this variety. Texas Early Grano- This variety is well adapted to the tropics. It matures 120 days after transplanting. You can harvest up to 21 tonnes per acre.
The Texas Early Grano variety also has a good shelf life and transportability.