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Bulb onions typically take 3 to 4 months to mature, making the short rains an ideal time for planting. These onions can be harvested between January and February, a period when onion supply from Tanzania is low. This timing offers a great opportunity for local farmers to tap into higher market prices.
After the long rains in March, onion prices tend to hike, allowing farmers who harvest during this period to enjoy substantial profit margins.
Spring Onions vs. Bulb Onions
While spring onions are easy to plant—even in your kitchen garden—and are popular in salads and soups, bulb onions remain more sought after due to their long shelf life and sweet taste.
There are two main varieties of bulb onions in the Kenyan market:
- Small, pungent onions from Tanzania – firm and thinly layered.
- Larger, locally grown onions – loosely layered with a milder flavor.
Conditions for Successful Onion Farming
- Soil: Onions thrive in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soils with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8.
- Temperature: Ideal temperatures range from 13°C to 35°C, making most parts of Kenya suitable for onion farming.
- Water: Irrigation is key, especially in hot and dry regions like Ukambani and parts of the Coast. Consider investing in drip irrigation for optimal results.
- Fertilizer: Apply 20 grams of DAP fertilizer per square meter for healthy growth.
Popular Onion Varieties
Kenya’s most popular onion seed variety is Jambar F1, known for its high yields and larger bulbs. Other hybrid varieties include:
- Red Creole
- Red Pinnoy
- Red Bombay
Challenges in Onion Farming
- Excess Watering: Too much water can lead to crop loss due to waterlogging. Opt for drip irrigation and raised beds to manage this.
- Diseases: Common diseases include Downy Mildew, Bacterial Soft Rot, and Pink/White Root. Use herbicides to mitigate these risks.
- Pests: Look out for maggots, thrips, nematodes, and leaf miners. Use accredited pesticides to keep your crop safe.
- Weeds: Weed regularly—at least 2 to 3 sessions per season—to avoid crop competition.
Harvesting Onions
The best time to harvest is during the dry season:
- Bulb onions: Ready when foliage withers and bulbs form a shiny membrane.
- Spring onions: Harvest when they are 15 cm tall and 1.5 cm thick.
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.