How Long Does Onion Take To Mature
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.
We the Onion Doctor are here to hold your hand in this interesting journey to farm and grow Onions. We offer guidelines and online Module on how to start, maintain and harvest your bulbs healthy and of high-quality. We also train through farm visits, online modules and guide you to choose the best variety depending on your region. Our services comes at a very competitive cost. Do not hesitate to reach to us for any Help.
Maturity in Onion Farming varies from different varieties .Here are some general timelines for different types of onions:
Green Onions (Scallions):
Scallions are typically ready to enjoy 10 to 12 weeks after sowing, though at the height of the growing season it can be as soon as eight. Harvest the largest plants first so that those left can continue to grow. Green onions are typically harvested when they are young and tender, before they develop into mature bulbs.
Short-Day Onions (Mature Bulbs): short-day onions form bulbs with a shorter period of daylight.
Bulb onions take 3 to 4 months to reach maturity. Short rains are great for bulb onions since they can be harvested between January and February.
Examples include:
Grano: Short-day: Known for its large bulbs and ability to store well. Resistant to many diseases and pests. A popular choice for commercial farmers looking to maximize their yields. Great for storage. Can be sold for a longer period compared to other varieties.
Yellow Granex: Short-day: Known for its yellow color and ability to store well. Medium-sized bulbs with a crisp texture. Resistant to many diseases and pests. Great for pickling. A popular choice for salads and sandwiches.
Intermediate-Day Onions (Mature Bulbs):
Intermediate day onion varieties are the most widely adaptable since they require 12-14 hours of sunlight before beginning the bulbing process. When planted at the proper time, intermediate day onion varieties mature in approximately 100 days.
Long-Day Onions (Mature Bulbs): Long-day onions require a longer period of daylight to form bulbs
Examples include:
Red Creole: Long-day Known for its deep red color and ability to store well. Large bulbs with a crisp texture. Resistant to many diseases and pests. Great for grilling, roasting, and sautéing. A popular choice for salads and sandwiches.
Walla Walla: Long-day Known for its sweet flavor and ability to store well. Resistant to many diseases and pests. Great for salads, sandwiches, and other dishes where a sweet onion flavor is desired. Great for grilling, roasting, and sautéing. These onions can take anywhere from 110 to 160 days to reach maturity and produce large bulbs
It's important to note that onion maturity is often signaled by changes in the foliage. As onions mature, the tops (foliage) start to yellow and fall over. This is a natural part of the onion's life cycle and indicates that the bulbs are nearing full maturity. Once the tops have fallen over, it's a good indication that the onions are ready for harvest.
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.