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Onion farming in Kenya is a lucrative agribusiness, with two main types grown: bulb onions and spring onions. Among these, bulb onions are more popular due to their long shelf life and sweet taste. However, onion prices fluctuate based on the season and variety. A major factor influencing prices is the importation of onions from Tanzania, where production costs are lower. Farmers aiming for high profits should strategically time their production between November and May, when local supply is low, and prices are high.
Best Regions for Onion Farming in Kenya
The best-suited areas for onion cultivation include Kajiado, Narok, Kieni, Karatina, Oloitoktok, Kakamega, and Naivasha. Onions thrive in well-drained, fertile soils rich in humus with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.5.
Common Onion Varieties in Kenya
Popular onion varieties include:
- Red Coach F1
- Africa Red
- Red Creole
- Neptune
- Red Pinnoy
All these varieties require warm to hot temperatures ranging between 15-30°C.
Onion Seed Requirements & Nursery Preparation
An acre requires 1-1.5 kg of onion seeds, depending on the variety and spacing. Onions can be grown through direct seeding or by establishing a nursery bed first.
Nursery Site Selection
- Choose a secure location near a water source and crop production area.
- The nursery bed should be 15cm raised for proper drainage.
- 1m wide for easy management.
- Length varies depending on seed quantity.
Sowing and Watering
- Shallow drills of 2cm deep and 15cm apart should be prepared.
- Mix onion seeds with sand (3:1 ratio) for even sowing.
- Cover the nursery bed with agro-nets or dry grass (free from pests/diseases).
- Water twice per week depending on soil moisture levels.
- Seedlings sprout within 7 days.
Transplanting Guidelines
- Seedlings should be 4-6 weeks old, pencil-sized thickness, 10-15cm tall, and have 3-5 true leaves.
- Conduct a soil test before transplanting to guide nutrient application.
- Prepare soil to a fine tilth, apply decomposed manure, and fertilize with DAP at planting and CAN at week 4.
- Transplant early morning, late evening, or during cloudy weather to prevent transplant shock.
- Trim shoots (3 inches) and roots (0.5 inches) before planting to reduce moisture loss.
- Spacing: 8-10cm between seedlings, 15cm inter-row distance.
Irrigation & Water Management
- The best irrigation system for onions is drip irrigation.
- Avoid overhead irrigation as it increases the risk of fungal diseases.
- In rainy areas, grow onions during short rains and raise beds for proper drainage.
Onion Pests & Diseases
Common Onion Diseases
- Downy Mildew
- Bacterial Soft Rot
- Pink/White Root
- Botrytis
- Rusts
Common Onion Pests
- Onion Maggots
- Thrips
- Onion Flies
- Red Spider Mites
- Nematodes
- Leaf Miner
Use pesticides from accredited brands and conduct frequent scouting to detect infestations early.
Weed Control
- Weeds compete for nutrients, light, and space and harbor pests/diseases.
- Remove weeds physically or through herbicides.
- Conduct 2-3 weeding sessions per season.
Onion Harvesting & Curing
- Harvest 4-5 months after transplanting, when top leaves yellow and fall over.
- Harvest during dry and hot weather for best curing results.
- Curing process: Leave onions to dry before trimming leaves and roots.
- A good yield is 20-25 tonnes per acre, depending on variety and farm management.
Onion Doctor – Your Partner in Profitable Onion Farming
Onion Doctor supports smallholder farmers across Africa with:
- High-quality Onion & Garlic seedlings
- Farm planning & soil testing
- Drip irrigation installation & maintenance
- Agronomic support & farm management
- E-extension & on-farm training
- Value-added onion & garlic products