Guidelines for Onion Harvest: Comprehensive Information You Shouldn't Miss
The art of gardening includes knowing the right time to harvest vegetables, and onions are no exception. Here's a guide on how to harvest onions for optimal flavour and long-term storage.
Onions need to be dried before they can be stored, and the best time to harvest them is when the majority of the onion tops (stems) have turned brown and fallen over. This indicates that the onions have reached full size and maturity. Before harvesting, it's recommended to stop watering the onions for about one to two weeks to help dry out the outer layers, which is crucial for storage.
For proper harvesting, gently loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork or shovel, taking care not to damage the onions. Pull out the onions and brush off excess soil, but avoid removing the dry outer layers since these protect the bulb during storage.
After harvesting, onions should be left in a dry, well-ventilated area, such as a shaded porch or barn, to cure. This curing process typically takes a few weeks, during which the skins harden and the necks dry up completely. Onions should be stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation to maximise shelf life.
Certain varieties like 'Yellow Sweet Spanish' and 'Red Burgundy' store better for longer periods, so variety choice also influences storage success. It's important to note that onions can remain in the ground a short while after tops fall if the soil remains dry, but if rains occur, harvest promptly to avoid rot.
Harvesting onions should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plants or bulbs. Onions should be spread out on a clean and dry surface in a well-ventilated location for curing. Onions should be cured for at least two to three weeks or until the tops necks are completely dry and the outer skin on the onion becomes slightly crisp. Bruising onions during harvest can make them more susceptible to rot, so handle them gently.
A soft brush or a gloved hand can be used to remove excess dirt from the bulbs. Once cured, cut tops off to within one inch. Onions can provide a kitchen staple through the fall and winter when stored correctly. Planting onions sets as soon as the garden can be worked is recommended, and they usually take 100 to 120 days to mature, depending on the cultivar.
Growing onions from seed is more difficult and takes longer before bulbs are ready to harvest. Onions can provide a cool-season vegetable crop, and it's best to create hills for onions that are to be used for green onions but not for those to be used for bulbs. Harvest tops for green onions as soon as they reach 6 inches (15 cm.) in height.
Remember, the ideal onion harvest time is early in the morning when temperatures are not too hot. Learning how to harvest vegetables is important for every plant in the garden, and with onions, following these steps preserves flavour and ensures proper drying for long-term storage.
Harvesting onions is an essential part of home-and-garden gardening, especially when aiming for optimal flavor and long-term storage. It's advised to harvest them when the majority of the onion tops have turned brown and fallen over, which typically indicates that they have reached full size and maturity.
For the best results, properly cure the onions by leaving them in a dry, well-ventilated area, such as a shaded porch or barn, after harvesting. This process usually takes a few weeks, allowing the skins to harden and the necks to dry up completely.
