Are you looking to delve deeper into onion and garlic production? Look no further than Onion Doctor! We offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your farming needs in Kenya. From premium onion and garlic seedlings to farm planning, soil testing, drip irrigation installation and maintenance, agronomic support, onion and garlic value packs, farm management, and more—we’re here to support your success.
Onion Varieties for Kenya’s Climate Kenya’s diverse climatic conditions provide an excellent environment for onion cultivation. Varieties such as Texas Grano, Red Pinoy, Red Creole, and Red Bombay thrive in our conditions. Opting for hybrid onion seeds ensures high yields and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases, safeguarding your crop’s health and productivity.
Optimal Climatic Conditions Onions thrive at elevations around 1900 meters above sea level, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 20 degrees Celsius. Key onion-growing regions in Kenya include Naivasha, Bugoma, Oloitotok, Kakamega, and Meru. Don’t worry if your area isn’t listed—creating favorable conditions is essential for successful onion farming.
Preparing Your Land for Planting To set the stage for a successful onion crop, prepare well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Start by establishing a nursery bed to propagate onion seeds. Raise the nursery bed to optimal specifications for efficient seedling management.
Planting Techniques Follow seed packaging guidelines when planting onions. Dig shallow furrows spaced 15 cm apart and sow seeds mixed with sand for even distribution. Mulch immediately after planting to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Ensure regular watering during germination to support healthy seedling growth.
Best Plant Husbandry Practices Nurture your onion plants post-germination by providing overhead cover to shield them from direct sunlight. Implement proactive pest and disease management through regular weeding and fertilizer application. Transplant seedlings after six weeks, ensuring they have developed strong leaves and a sturdy base. Manage transplant shock by gradually exposing seedlings to direct sunlight.
Harvesting, Packaging, and Storage Harvest onions 3 to 4 months after planting once leaves dry off or bulbs start bulging from the ground. Dry harvested onions in shade to prevent sunburn and preserve bulb quality. Package onions in well-aerated nets to prevent moisture buildup and maintain product freshness.
Partner with Onion Doctor for Success At Onion Doctor, we’re committed to empowering smallholder farmers across Africa. Contact us today via call or WhatsApp at +254703982228 or email us at Info@oniondoctor.co.ke for free consultations, orders, or to book a visit with our agronomists. Let’s optimize your yields and maximize profits together!