How Long Do Onions Take to Mature? Everything You Should Know
Key Takeaways
- Onions require between 3 and 5 months to reach full maturity.
- Factors such as seedling variety and planting method influence the maturity period.
- Optimal growth occurs in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8.
- Spring onions mature faster, requiring about 8 weeks (2 months).
- The best planting time is during the short rains.
- Spring onions are easy to grow and can thrive even in small kitchen gardens.
Growth Duration of Onions
The time required for onions to mature depends on the method of planting:
- From Seeds: This method demands the most patience, as onions planted from seeds take the longest time—typically 3 to 5 months. However, it yields the highest returns.
- From Sets: Small, immature bulbs, known as sets, speed up the growth process, allowing onions to mature within 3-4 months.
- From Transplants: Transplanted onion plants require approximately 3-4 months to reach full maturity.
Ideal Conditions for Onion Farming
Onions thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH level of 5.8 to 6.8. The recommended soil temperature ranges from 13-15 degrees Celsius. Conducting soil tests through accredited laboratories helps ensure ideal conditions. Short rains provide the best planting period, as excessive water can harm the crops.
For those growing onions in high-temperature regions, greenhouse farming combined with drip irrigation ensures optimal water supply. Choosing the right seedlings and fertilizers further enhances productivity.
Fast-Maturing Onion Varieties
Spring onions are the easiest to cultivate and can even flourish in kitchen gardens. They can be grown from seedlings or transplants, germinating in 10 days and becoming ready for transplanting after 4-6 weeks. However, due to their shorter shelf life compared to bulb onions, they are less commonly grown. Spring onions mature in about 8 weeks. Other fast-growing onion varieties include:
- Green Onions: Ready for harvest within 20-30 days.
- White-Bunching Onions: Fully mature in approximately 60 days (2 months).
- Early Yellow Globe: This variety of bulb onions matures in around 100 days.
- Red Burgundy: A red onion variety that reaches maturity in about 95 days.
Signs That Onions Are Ready for Harvest
Depending on the variety and planting method, onions typically reach harvest readiness around the 4-month mark. Once these indicators appear, watering should be stopped to allow the soil to dry. The onions should then be gently lifted and cured in a dry, ventilated area for 1-2 weeks before storage. The signs of maturity include:
- Green tops bending over, indicating halted bulb growth.
- Bulb diameter reaching between 2-4 inches.
- Dry, papery outer skin forming on the onion.
- Spring onions become harvest-ready at a height of 6-8 inches and can be pulled easily from the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to grow onions? Using transplanted seedlings accelerates the growing process by about one month compared to seeds.
When is the best time to plant onions in Kenya? The short rainy season is ideal for planting, as excessive water can hinder growth.
How can you grow larger onion bulbs? Bulb size is influenced by the seedling variety, nutrient availability, and sunlight exposure.
What factors promote faster onion growth? The planting method significantly affects growth speed. Transplanted seedlings or onion sets shorten the maturity period by about one month.
How long do spring onions take to grow? Spring onions mature in approximately 8 weeks.
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Final Thoughts
The time onions take to mature largely depends on the seedling variety and planting method. Most onions require between 3 and 5 months to reach full maturity. Given their high demand, onions are a profitable agricultural investment when grown under optimal conditions.
How Long Do Onions Take to Mature? Everything You Should Know
