Cultivating Spring Onions in Kenya with Onion Doctor
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Spring onions, also known as scallions or green and bunching onions, are a versatile and sought-after crop, favored for their use in various culinary delights. This article explores the art of cultivating spring onions in Kenya, whether for subsistence or commercial purposes, with the invaluable support of Onion Doctor.
The Appeal of Spring Onions Spring onions have become a popular choice for both amateur and commercial farmers in Kenya. They're loved for their adaptability in recipes, often used as seasonings in soups and salads, earning them the moniker "Salad Onions." These non-bulbing onions are grown from seeds and are known for their attractive, tasty, dark green leaves. The journey of spring onions begins in the nursery and eventually leads to the open field for robust growth.
Nurturing Spring Onions in the Nursery The nursery stage is where the magic of growing spring onions begins. To ensure healthy seedlings, follow these steps:
Prepare Raised Beds: Create raised beds that are one meter wide, and work in well-decomposed manure at a rate of 15kg (or one full medium bucket) per square meter.
Introduce Phosphate Fertilizer: Apply phosphate fertilizer at a rate of 20g per square meter and mix it thoroughly with the soil.
Planting the Seeds: Sow the seeds in pre-made furrows, spaced about 15cm apart and 2-3cm deep. Protect with Mulch: To safeguard the seeds from splashing during irrigation, cover the bed with a mulch of grass or banana leaves.
Germination: Spring onions typically germinate within 10 days. Once germinated, remove the mulch and create a shade for the tender plants.
Transplanting Spring Onions with Care When transplanting spring onions, consider these essential factors:
Optimal Timing: Transplant during cooler periods, either early in the morning or late in the evening, to avoid sun exposure, as spring onions are sensitive to scorching sunlight.
Planting Rows: Space the plants 30cm apart and maintain an 8cm distance within the row.
Irrigation: If transplanting is done during the dry season, ensure the field is irrigated before and after planting to aid establishment.
Top-Dressing: Perform a top-dressing with 9kgs of CAN fertilizer per acre approximately four weeks after transplanting.
Ensuring Healthy Growth and Protection As spring onions have a fast growth cycle, it's essential to provide adequate care and protection: Pest and Disease Control: Spray against pests and diseases during the first six weeks. Onion Doctor recommends fungicides and pesticides to combat fungal diseases like mildews and pests such as onion thrips. Optimal Conditions: Ensure well-drained soil with a pH value ranging between 6.3 and 6.8 to support healthy spring onion growth.
Harvesting Spring Onions with Precision The timing of spring onion harvest is crucial for quality and market potential: Early Harvest: Some spring onions are ready to harvest as early as two months after sowing seeds, while others may need an additional 2-4 weeks. Indicators: Harvest when the leaves stand tall, green, and succulent. Utilize a fork for bulb and leaf harvesting, taking care not to damage the plant inadvertently.
Onion Doctor offers indispensable support to smallholder farmers across Africa. Their services encompass quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Farm planning, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value packs, Farm management, E-extension, and on-farm training. Collaborate with Onion Doctor to optimize your spring onion yields and maximize your profits in Kenya.