Guide on Onion Harvest: Comprehensive Information You Require
Harvesting Onions for Optimal Flavor and Storage
Harvesting onions is an essential part of gardening, and understanding the right time to pick them can significantly impact their flavor and storage life. The ideal time to harvest onions is when at least one-third to half of the onion tops (foliage) begin to yellow and flop over or die back naturally [1][2][3].
To determine the optimal harvesting time, look for the foliage to turn yellow and fall (flop) over naturally. Waiting until 1/3 to 3/4 of the plants show this sign is ideal [1][2][3]. If some stems remain upright, you can bend them over manually to signal the bulb to stop growing and prepare for harvest [3]. Timing varies based on onion variety, planting time, and weather conditions but typically occurs midsummer or later [1].
Before harvesting, it's advisable to stop watering onions to help dry bulbs and reduce rot risk [2][4]. After lifting onions, cure them by drying in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 10 to 14 days until necks are completely dry [4]. Proper curing and drying before storage help maintain flavor and extend shelf life—onions can store up to a year if properly cured [2][4].
It's best to harvest onions early in the morning when temperatures are not too hot. Humidity levels should be between 65 and 70 percent for best results [5]. Onions must be carefully pulled or dug up from the ground with the tops intact. After drying is complete, cut tops off to within one inch [6].
Growing onions is a popular cool season vegetable that can be grown from seeds, sets, or transplants. Proper planting and care throughout the growing season are crucial for successful onion harvest [7]. If the location is too damp, rotting may occur. To dry onions, spread them out on a clean and dry surface in a well-ventilated location [8].
Onions have been cultivated for over 4,000 years, making them one of the oldest known crops. Content for this article was contributed by Susan Patterson, Amy Draiss, and Laura Walters [9]. Store dried onions in a wire basket, crate, or nylon bag in a temperature range of 32 to 40 F. (0-4 C.) for best results [4].
For green onions, harvest the tops as soon as they reach 6 inches (15 cm.) in height [10]. If you're growing onions for green onions, it's best to create hills for easier access. However, for bulb onions, it's recommended not to hill the soil [8].
References:
- Onion Growing Guide
- How to Store Onions
- Harvesting Onions
- How to Cure Onions
- Ideal Harvesting Time for Onions
- How to Cut Onions for Storage
- Growing Onions from Seed
- Hilling Onions
- Onion History
- Harvesting Green Onions
- To achieve the best flavor and storage life for onions, consider delving into home-and-garden activities such as gardening, focusing on the growth and care of onions.
- For an enjoyable lifestyle that includes home-and-garden activities, consider growing onions in your garden for their flavorful bulbs and green tops, ensuring a fresh addition to your meals.
