Written by 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. Onion farming in Kenya faces several challenges, including government policies that restrict the cultivation of high-breed seeds, as well as taxes and regulations that increase the cost of horticultural farming. Despite these obstacles, the demand for bulb onions continues to rise, making it a lucrative commercial crop, especially for smallholder farmers. Why Bulb Onion Farming Is a Smart Investment in Kenya The Red Bulb Onion, in particular, is growing in popularity as farmers work to bridge the gap in supply. Key onion-growing regions in Kenya include: Bulb onions mature within 3 to 4 months, making them ideal for cultivation during Kenya’s short rainy season. This timing allows for harvests between January and February, creating a profitable window as the onion supply from Tanzania decreases. After the long rains in March, onion prices rise, providing farmers with higher profit margins. Spring onions, though simpler to grow and suited for kitchen gardens, are less popular commercially. However, they offer numerous health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar and lowering cholesterol. Between the two types, bulb onions stand out for their longer shelf life and sweet taste, making them the preferred choice in the Kenyan market. Notable varieties include: Farming Guidelines for Bulb Onions in Kenya Onions thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8. Through proper irrigation systems like those provided by Onion Doctor, onions can be cultivated year-round. For optimal growth, temperatures should range from 13 to 35°C. In hotter regions like Ukambani and parts of the coast, farmers should invest in greenhouses and drip irrigation systems to regulate temperature and water supply. Onion Doctor recommends soil testing by accredited laboratories to ensure the right soil conditions. Necessary inputs include: Popular hybrid onion varieties in Kenya include Red Coach F1 and Malbec F1, with Red Coach F1 being highly preferred for its excellent yield, size, and color. Overcoming Challenges in Onion Farming Harvesting Guidelines for Onions Bulb onions are ready for harvest when the foliage withers and the bulbs develop a shiny outer layer. Spring onions should be harvested when they reach 15 cm in height and 1.5 cm in thickness. The harvesting process involves pulling the bulbs, cutting off the leaves, and drying them in the sun before storage. Onion Doctor encourages farmers to maintain a calendar to track essential farming stages and ensure timely harvests. How Onion Doctor Supports Farmers Onion Doctor offers comprehensive support to smallholder farmers across Africa, providing: By partnering with Onion Doctor, farmers can optimize yields, improve water efficiency with drip irrigation, and successfully meet the growing demand for bulb onions in Kenya.
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. Bulb onions have a significant market demand in Kenya, primarily driven by small-scale cultivation. However, the produce from local farmers is insufficient to meet the rising demand for onion bulbs. Low production stems from poor onion farming practices and unfavorable growing conditions in many regions. Optimal Conditions for Growing Bulb Onions in Kenya To grow bulb onions successfully in Kenya, certain conditions must be met: Varieties of Bulb Onions to Grow in Kenya Popular onion varieties in Kenya include: Essential Steps for Growing Bulb Onions in Kenya 1. Seedling Propagation Successful onion farming begins with effective seedling propagation. Onion Doctor recommends using either seedling beds or seedling trays for propagation. How to Propagate Seedlings in Beds How to Propagate Seedlings in Trays 2. Transplanting the Seedlings Once seedlings reach about 15 cm in height (after 6 weeks), they are ready for transplanting. Onion Doctor advises transplanting seedlings into holes 10-15 cm deep and 15 cm apart. Water immediately after transplanting and ensure continuous irrigation. Why Use an Onion Doctor Drip Irrigation Kit In some regions, rainfall is insufficient to grow bulb onions effectively. Drip irrigation is highly recommended to provide onions with the precise amount of water they need. Onion Doctor offers specialized drip irrigation kits designed for onion farming, ensuring efficient water usage and improved yields. Tips for Growing and Watering Bulb Onions How to Grow and Harvest Onions at the Right Time To meet the high market demand for onions in Kenya, it’s essential to plant at the right time. Onion Doctor suggests planting in August and harvesting in December. Harvest on dry days to avoid bulb rot, and begin when the leaves die, indicating the bulbs are ready. Common Challenges and Solutions for Growing Bulb Onions in Kenya How Onion Doctor Supports Farmers Onion Doctor assists smallholder farmers across Africa with high-quality, affordable onion and garlic seedlings. We offer services like: By partnering with Onion Doctor, farmers can optimize their yields, grow bulb onions more efficiently, and meet Kenya’s high market demand.
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. Why Onion Farming is Profitable in Kenya One of the key reasons behind the success of onion farming in Kenya is the high demand in both local and international markets. Onions are a staple in most Kenyan households, making them a must-have crop. Additionally, the global demand offers opportunities for export, allowing farmers to increase their income streams. Key Factors for Profitable Onion Farming To maximize profits, farmers need to adopt best farming practices such as: The Jambar F1 Onion Variety stands out for its uniform size, high yield, and disease resistance. It matures in four months and can yield up to 30 tonnes per acre. Its long shelf life makes it suitable for both local markets and export. 2. Red Pinnoy F1 Onion Variety Known for its deep red color and high yield, the Red Pinnoy F1 Onion matures in four months and is ideal for farmers targeting high-end and gourmet markets. It is resistant to common diseases like downy mildew and purple blotch. 3. Bombay Red Onion Variety The Bombay Red Onion Variety is perfect for export due to its long shelf life and strong flavor. It matures in 120–150 days and yields up to 25 tonnes per acre. 4. Texas Grano 502 Onion Variety This variety is known for its sweet flavor and large size, making it popular in local markets. The Texas Grano 502 Onion matures in 110–120 days and yields 30 tonnes per acre 5. Red Creole Onion Variety The Red Creole Onion is known for its disease resistance and ability to yield up to 25 tonnes per acre. It’s a great choice for export markets, particularly for farmers seeking a mild-flavored onion variety. 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. Onions varieties can confuse us all. They are often misnamed, and can drive us into panic if a recipe calls for one and we’re not certain which onion to use. What are green onions? Green onions are sold in bunches and have long, green leaves and no bulb. The flavour is mild, and they can be eaten raw or lightly cooked. Green onions have a rapid growth rate. It takes about 60 to 80 days to grow green onions. If planting in the ground, choose a sunny spot in the garden with well-draining soil. They also grow well in containers. Be sure to keep weeds away from green onions to avoid competition for soil moisture and nutrients. A layer of mulch can help keep weeds down. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, and plant seedlings at the same depth they were growing in their previous container. Space plants roughly 2 to 3 feet apart in rows that are 1 to 2 feet apart. What are spring onions? Spring onions and green onions are both immature onions, but they are often called the same thing. Spring onions have a white, round bulb with long stems, and are also sold in bunches. Spring onions are in fact very young onions, harvested before the bulb has had a chance to swell. Both the long, slender green tops and the small white bulb are edible, and are good either raw or cooked. They have a similar flavour to onions, but are much milder. 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. Perennial onions, are plants that self-multiply and can be left in the garden for many years. Multiplier onions are hardy, productive perennials. That can produce a larger yield per area than any other vegetable except staked tomatoes. Multiplier onions produce a cluster of bulbs at ground level from a single planted bulb. The larger bulbs are saved for eating, and the medium and small bulbs are stored and replanted. Both potato onions and shallots can be grown in pots . Multiplier onions exist in two horticultural forms: Potato onions and shallots. Shallots may be distinguished from potato onions by the shape and division pattern of the bulbs. Shallots vary in their ability to produce seed, but potato onions rarely produce seed. There are several advantages of growing multiplier onions: (1) They are not as readily bothered by the onion fly as are seed onions. (2) Once you have enough potato onions or shallots you need not buy seeds or sets again. (3) Some types of multiplier onions are in demand as high-quality items in restaurants. 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. Spring onions not only taste great but are also extremely healthy for the body. Spring onion not only taste great but are also extremely healthy for the body. Commonly known as scallion or green onion, this is the most preferred ingredient which is loaded with essential nutrients. Both the green leafy part and the white bulb of the spring onion are edible. It tastes a little milder than the regular onion and can be cooked or eaten raw as well. Apart from this, it is one of the healthiest options to go for. Green onion is an excellent source of Sulphur which is quite beneficial for the overall health. It has compounds like allyl sulphide and flavonoids that prevent cancer and fight against the enzymes that produce cancer cells. Step up to avoid cancer and start eating healthy by including more of green onions in your daily diet. Blood Sugar Level: Sulphur present in the spring onion plays a major role here as well. Due to the Sulphur compounds, the body’s ability to produce insulin tends to increase. This helps to prevent diabetes to a great extent. Aids Digestion: Spring onions are always preferred as appetizers. They are rich in fiber and helps in better digestion. You can pair it with other vegetables for dinner or lunch as well but do remember to add it in your daily diet routine, either cooked or raw. Maintains Good Vision: Spring onions have carotenoids which helps to keep the vision healthy and intact. It is also rich in vitamin A which prevents loss of eye-sight. Club these with some carrots and cucumbers as it tastes great when savored in the form of salads. 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. Calories: Onion and scallion contain similar amounts of calories – onion has 40 calories per 100 grams and scallion has 32 calories. For macronutrient ratios, onion is lighter in protein, heavier in carbs and similar to scallion for fat. Onion has a macronutrient ratio of 11:87:3 and for scallion, 19:76:5 for protein, carbohydrates and fat from calories. Dietary Fiber: Scallion is a great source of dietary fiber and it has 53% more dietary fiber than onion – onion has 1.7g of dietary fiber per 100 grams and scallion has 2.6g of dietary fiber. Sugar: Onion and scallion contain similar amounts of sugar – onion has 4.2g of sugar per 100 grams and scallion has 2.3g of sugar. Carbohydrates: Onion and scallion contain similar amounts carbs – onion has 9.3g of total carbs per 100 grams and scallion has 7.3g of carbohydrates. Protein: Onion and scallion contain similar amounts of protein – onion has 1.1g of protein per 100 grams and scallion has 1.8g of protein. Saturated Fat: Both onion and scallion are low in saturated fat – onion has 0.04g of saturated fat per 100 grams and scallion has 0.03g of saturated fat. 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. Onions are generally considered a ‘cool season crop’ because onion seedlings like to start their life when conditions are still cool. Then as the weather warms up, they switch to focus their energy on bulb formation. If you hope to grow onions from seed, you’ll need to be prepared to get a jump start and plant seeds. After sprouting onions take three months to reach a mature size. At Onion Doctor we offer high quality seedlings, and guidelines on how to plant from nursery to harvesting point. Don’t hesitate to reach out for our services at a competitive price. The difference between bulbing onions, green onions, scallions or spring onions Red, yellow, white, sweet… In addition to the various colors and subtle flavor differences, traditional bulbing onions can be enjoyed in a variety of ways – depending on the age they’re harvested! Before forming large bulbs, immature onions may be picked and used as green onions – also known as scallions. If you allow them to mature a little longer and form a modest (but still underdeveloped) bulb, then they’re considered spring onions! Gather up a cluster of young green onions, spring onions, or scallions, and now you have a handful of bunching onions. Note that there are also varieties of slender non-bulbing onions; a true “green onion”. Short-day, long-day, and day-neutral onions In addition to size and color, different onion varieties are further classified as either short-day, long-day, or day-neutral onions. They’re grouped by the number of daylight hours required to trigger good bulb formation. It is important to choose and grow onion varieties that are a good fit for your location! Otherwise, the onion bulbs may fail to successfully develop. Non-bulbing green onions aren’t as fussy about exact daylight hours, though all onions like plenty of sun! Should I grow onions from seed, seedlings or “sets”? Do you want high quality seedlings, we Onion Doctor got your back! Don’t hesitate to reach to us in your journey to grow onions . There are three main ways to grow onions: from seed, seedlings, or by purchasing onion sets. Every gardener has their preference between the three! Growing onions from seed is easy, and allows you to choose the exact varieties you want to grow! Purchasing started seedlings or sets is also a great option, and will give you a quicker start than seed. Onion seedlings are like small green onions, recently started from seed (within the last couple months). In contrast, onion ‘sets’ are small, dry, immature onion bulbs that were grown from seed the previous year. They were allowed to partially develop, harvested as a tiny bulb, and kept dormant to later sell or plant as “seed” – though they’re not really seed. Because they’re on their second year of life (and onions are biennial), onion sets have the tendency to bolt more readily or result in underdeveloped bulbs. When an onion ‘bolts’, it prematurely sends up a flowering stalk and then forms seed. You can still eat around the tough center of the onion bulb, but it will decline in quality and no longer be good for long-term storage. 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. Onion sets are small, dry onion bulbs grown but not allowed to mature. Advantages of Growing Onions from Sets 1: Onion sets produce much earlier than seed started onions. 2: Onion sets saves time , they take about 40-60 days How to Grow Your Own Onion Sets Onion sets are tiny onions that mature in about 14 weeks. They have a higher success rate than direct-sown seeds or transplants. The onion sets look like small bulbs and are sold at gardening stores; once they mature, they develop into full-size bulbs. Choose onion sets with bulbs that are 3/4 of an inch in diameter; larger ones tend to produce stiff necks and go There’s no need to soak onion sets before planting. Plant them 10-15cm apart, allowing 30cm between rows. Plant them just below the soil surface, with just the tips showing, in moisture-retentive, fertile soil, ideally with plenty of well-rotted organic matter such as garden compost. Keep the planting bed just moist; do not let it go dry. Let the plants grow until most of the developing bulbs are ½ to ¾ inch in diameter Cull the bulbs. Do not save sets larger than 1 inch in diameter for planting next season; large sets will likely bolt and flower quickly when replanted next season. (If you do save larger sets, they can be grown as green onions next season.) Do not save sets less than ½ inch in diameter; very small sets will likely not have enough stored energy to produce large onions next season. Cure the sets you are saving in a sunny place for about 10 days–until the tops dry. Remove the tops and store the sets in a mesh bag in a cool, dry place. Be sure to label each bag. 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. Onion is a vegetable that belongs to the species of the genus Allium. Onions are 89% water but are also composed of sugar, protein, fiber, and low amounts of essential nutrients. Onion is mostly used as a flavor enhancer in day to day food without raising the calorie count. The global onion market has been categorized as part of the global agricultural products market. The global agricultural products market includes producers of agricultural products. The market also includes crop growers, owners of plantations and companies that produce and process foods but do not package and market them. The onion market in Kenya is highly competitive and you need to have a solid marketing strategy in place to ensure that your onions reach the right buyers at the right time. In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to market onions in Kenya. 1: Understanding the market: Before you start marketing your onions, it is important to understand the market. This includes knowing your target customers, their preferences, and the prices they are willing to pay. For example, if you are targeting supermarkets, you need to ensure that your onions are of high quality and meet their specific requirements. 2:Networking: One of the most effective ways to market your onions is by networking. This includes building relationships with other farmers, traders, and buyers. By networking, you can learn more about the market and identify potential buyers for your onions. Also attending conferences, Agriculture expo’s, for more exposure and understanding the market. 3: Packaging and labeling: The packaging and labeling of your onions is also important. It is important to package your onions in a way that protects them from damage and ensures that they reach the buyer in good condition. Additionally, you should include a label on the packaging that provides information about the onions, such as their variety, size, and weight. 4: Advertising: Advertising is another important aspect of marketing your onions. This can include advertising in local newspapers and on radio and television. You can also consider advertising online on platforms such as social media, Google AdWords, or through targeted online ads. 5: Participating in trade fairs and exhibitions: Trade fairs and exhibitions are a great way to showcase your onions to potential buyers. By participating in these events, you can showcase your onions to a wide range of buyers and suppliers, and gain valuable feedback on your product. 4: Utilizing digital channels: In the digital age, it is important to make use of various digital channels to market your onions. This includes creating a website or social media account dedicated to your onions and regularly updating it with information about your product, as well as pictures and videos. Additionally, you can join online marketplaces and groups where you can connect with potential buyers and suppliers. 5: Joining a cooperative society: Joining a cooperative society can be an effective way to market your onions. Cooperative societies can provide you with access to a wider market and better prices for your onions. Additionally, society can provide you with support in terms of packaging and labeling, transportation, and other services. 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.