How and When to Harvest Onions: Everything You Need to Know

Harvesting onions at the right time and using proper methods ensures quality and storage life. How and when to harvest onions effectively

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When to Harvest Onions

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Be patient as harvest time approaches to ensure your onions are fully mature.

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Check Bulb Size

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Harvest bulbs later if they are little or tender. Avoid waiting because overripe onions might split or rot.

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Harvesting Technique

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Curing Onions

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Hang them in bunches or one layer on a mesh screen. The outer layers dry and the necks stiffen during curing.

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Trim roots and tops, leaving 1 inch of neck, after curing.

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How and When to Harvest Onions: Everything You Need to Know

Harvesting onions at the right time and using proper methods ensures quality and storage life. How and when to harvest onions effectively

When to Harvest Onions

Pick onions when their tops turn yellow and fall over. Most kinds get this late in the season, 100-120 days after planting.

1

Be patient as harvest time approaches to ensure your onions are fully mature.

Check Bulb Size

Gently dig around the onion to determine its bulb size. The bulb of mature onions should be firm and spherical.

2

Harvest bulbs later if they are little or tender. Avoid waiting because overripe onions might split or rot.

Harvesting Technique

Carefully pick onions from soil using a garden fork or shovel, avoiding injury to bulbs. Pull and shake the onions gently to remove excess dirt.

3

Curing Onions

Cure onions after harvesting to extend storage life. For 2-3 weeks, keep them in a dry, well-ventilated place with indirect sunshine.

4

Hang them in bunches or one layer on a mesh screen. The outer layers dry and the necks stiffen during curing.

Trim roots and tops, leaving 1 inch of neck, after curing.

Storing Onions

5

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