Onion farming in Kenya is a thriving agricultural venture, offering farmers a lucrative opportunity to meet the high demand for this staple crop. Among the many onion varieties available, the Neptune F1 stands out as a top choice for Kenyan farmers. Onion farming in Kenya has evolved significantly, with hybrid varieties like Neptune F1 driving higher yields and better marketability. This blog dives deep into the world of Neptune F1 onion farming in Kenya, exploring its unique traits, cultivation techniques, and why it’s a game-changer for farmers. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a beginner venturing into onion farming in Kenya, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to succeed. Let’s unlock the secrets of Neptune F1 and transform your approach to onion farming in Kenya!
BENEFITS OF NEPTUNE F1 ONION VARIETY
- High Yield Potential: Neptune F1 can produce 15–20 tonnes per acre, with some farmers reporting up to 60–100 tonnes under optimal conditions, making it a top performer in onion farming in Kenya.
- Early Maturity: This short-day onion matures in 90–120 days after transplanting, allowing farmers to access markets early and capitalize on high prices before supply peaks.
- Extended Shelf Life: With a storage capacity of 5–6 months, Neptune F1 reduces post-harvest losses, a critical factor for profitability in onion farming in Kenya.
- Disease Resistance: It shows strong resistance to common onion diseases like pink root, purple blotch, and powdery mildew, minimizing the need for chemical inputs.
- Market Appeal: The variety produces uniform, medium-sized, deep red bulbs with a flattened globe shape and good pungency, highly sought after in Kenyan markets for their taste and appearance.
STEP TO STEP GUIDE ON GROWING NEPTUNE F1 ONIONS
1.SELECTING THE RIGHT LAND AND CLIMATE:
Onion farming in Kenya thrives in regions like Makueni, Kajiado, Karatina, Naivasha, and Oloitoktok, where Neptune F1 performs exceptionally well. The ideal conditions include:
- Altitude: 0–1,900 meters above sea level.
- Temperature: 15–30°C, with germination optimal at 20–27°C.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile sandy loam with a pH of 5.8–6.8.
- Rainfall: 500–700 mm during the growing period, preferably with drip irrigation to avoid waterlogging.
Before planting, conduct a soil test to ensure suitability. Onion Doctor provides soil testing services.
2.SEED SELECTION AND NURSERY PREPARATION
Neptune F1 seeds are available from trusted suppliers with different price ranges.
- Nursery Setup: Prepare raised seedbeds (1.2 meters wide) with high organic matter content. Mix in compost or chicken manure and fertilizer. Apply chemicals to the beds to prevent pest and disease infestation.
- Sowing: Mix 1 kg of Neptune F1 seeds with an equal amount of sand for even distribution. Sow in rows 10–15 cm apart and irrigate the day before planting. Seeds germinate in 7–10 days and remain in the nursery for about 40 days.
3.TRANSPLANTING AND FIELD MANAGEMENT:
After 40 days, transplant healthy seedlings to the main field:
- Land Preparation: Plow and harrow the land to a fine tilth. Create raised beds (1 meter wide, 15 cm high) to improve drainage.
- Spacing: Plant seedlings 10 cm apart within rows and 30 cm between rows to reduce competition for nutrients.
- Irrigation: Use drip irrigation to provide 1 inch of water per week, avoiding overhead irrigation to prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew.
- Fertilization: Apply fertilizer as recommended by an Agronomist. Contact Onion Doctor for a detailed spray and feeding program.
4.PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT:
Neptune F1’s disease resistance reduces the need for chemical interventions, but vigilance is key:
- Pests: Control onion thrips and leaf miners with Dynamec or other recommended insecticides.
- Diseases: Monitor for purple blotch (brown-purple spots) and downy mildew (pale gray spots). Use fungicides like Ridomil Gold or Ortiva and maintain field hygiene through crop rotation.
- Organic Options: Incorporate neem oil or biopesticides for sustainable pest control.
| Week | Pesticide | Fungicides | Fertilizer |
| Land Preparation | Decomposed Manure | ||
| 1 | Active Ingredient | Active Ingredient | First Top dressing |
| 2 | Mancozeb | ||
| 3 | Profenofos | ||
| 4 | Acephale | Carbendazim |
5.HARVEST AND POST HARVEST HANDLING:
Harvest Neptune F1 onions when 50% of the foliage turns yellow and falls over, typically 90–120 days after transplanting:
- Harvesting: Carefully uproot bulbs to avoid injury. Cut leaves 3.5 cm above the bulb and trim excess roots.
- Curing: Dry onions in a well-ventilated, moisture-free area for 1–2 weeks to enhance shelf life.
- Storage: Store in a dry, ventilated space to prevent rotting. Neptune F1’s 5–6 month shelf life ensures flexibility in marketing.
PROFITABILITY OF NEPTUNE F1 ONION FARMING IN KENYA
Onion farming in Kenya is a high-return venture, and Neptune F1 amplifies this potential. Here’s a breakdown of costs and earnings per acre:
- Costs: Approximately Ksh 115,000–160,000, covering seeds (Ksh 8,000–34,700), fertilizers, labor, irrigation, and pest control.
- Yield: 15–20 tons
- Market Price: Ksh 40–80 per kg, depending on season and demand. At Ksh 50/kg, 15,000 kg yields Ksh 750,000, with a net profit of Ksh 590,000–635,000 after costs.
By targeting high-demand periods and maintaining quality, farmers can earn up to Ksh 150,000–200,000 per acre.
WHY NEPTUNE F1 STANDS OUT IN THE MARKET
The Kenyan market favors onions with deep red color, medium size, and pungency, qualities that Neptune F1 delivers consistently. Unlike traditional varieties like Red Creole, which yield 6–10 tonnes per acre, Neptune F1’s higher yield, disease resistance, and longer shelf life make it a favorite among traders and consumers. Its adaptability to both dry and wet climates also suits Kenya’s diverse agroecological zones.
Moreover, Neptune F1’s firm, shiny bulbs are ideal for culinary uses, from salads and kachumbari to stews and soups, enhancing its appeal in local and export markets
Contact us for: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Germinated garlic cloves, Farm planning services, Soil testing, training on onion and garlic growing, 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. You can also check out our social media handles for daily updates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oniondoctorke?_t=ZM-8wmsTu0qumO&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oniondoctorke?igsh=MTVoaHF3aWUydTJzaQ==Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/16SwgYn2dG/ Youtube:https://youtube.com/@oniondoctorke?si=u5Jnd-r0qU9UDYqL and Twitter: https://x.com/OnionDoctorKe?t=FR3JXlS_oN1vjjUgAtfyzg&s=09