When to Harvest Onions: A Complete Guide

Knowing the right time to harvest onions is essential to ensure a successful crop. Whether you’ve grown onions from seeds, sets, or bulbs, harvesting them at the right stage ensures maximum flavor, proper storage, and long-term usability. This guide will teach you how to recognize the signs that your onions are ready to harvest and provide tips for curing and storing them.

Table of Contents

1. Why Timing Matters When Harvesting Onions
2. Signs That Onions Are Ready to Harvest
3. When to Harvest Spring-Planted Onions
4. When to Harvest Overwintered Onions
5. How to Harvest Onions
6. Curing Onions for Long-Term Storage
7. How to Store Harvested Onions
8. Common Harvesting Mistakes to Avoid
9. FAQs About Harvesting Onions
10. Conclusion
11. Meta Description

Why Timing Matters When Harvesting Onions

Harvesting onions at the right time ensures:

• Optimal Flavor: Onions harvested too early may lack full flavor.
• Better Storage: Mature onions last longer in storage.
• Healthy Bulbs: Proper timing reduces the risk of rot or disease.
• Maximum Yield: Fully developed onions provide the best crop.

Signs That Onions Are Ready to Harvest

Look for these key signs to determine if your onions are ready to harvest:

1. Top Leaves Yellow and Fall Over:
   • Mature onions naturally signal readiness when their green tops begin to turn yellow and flop over.
2. Bulb Size:
   • Check the bulb size; it should be firm and large, depending on the variety.
3. Drying Neck:
   • The neck (where the green tops meet the bulb) becomes soft and shrinks as the onion matures.

When to Harvest Spring-Planted Onions

1. Planting Time:
   • Spring-planted onions are usually ready to harvest in late summer (July to August).
2. Maturity Period:
   • Onions take about 90-120 days to mature from planting.
3. Seasonal Signs:
   • Harvest when the tops have turned yellow and fallen over, usually in mid to late summer.

When to Harvest Overwintered Onions

1. Planting Time:
   • Overwintered onions, planted in autumn, are ready to harvest in early summer (June to July).
2. Maturity Period:
   • These onions take about 6-8 months to reach full maturity.
3. Seasonal Signs:
   • Harvest as soon as the tops begin to yellow and fall over.

How to Harvest Onions

Follow these steps for a successful harvest:

1. Check the Soil:
   • Ensure the soil is dry to make harvesting easier and reduce the risk of rot.
2. Loosen the Soil:
   • Use a garden fork or trowel to gently loosen the soil around the onion bulbs.
3. Pull Onions Gently:
   • Grasp the onion at the base of the leaves and gently pull it out of the soil.
4. Inspect the Bulbs:
   • Remove any damaged or diseased onions to prevent contamination.

Curing Onions for Long-Term Storage

Curing is essential for onions you plan to store:

1. Lay Onions Out:
   • Place onions in a single layer in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight.
2. Allow to Dry:
   • Leave the onions to cure for 2-3 weeks. The outer skin should become papery, and the neck should fully dry.
3. Trim the Tops:
   • Once cured, trim the tops to 1 inch and remove any excess dirt.

How to Store Harvested Onions

Proper storage keeps onions fresh for months:

1. Choose a Cool, Dry Place:
   • Store onions in a space with temperatures between 2°C and 7°C (36°F-45°F).
2. Use Mesh Bags or Crates:
   • Allow good air circulation by storing onions in mesh bags, baskets, or ventilated crates.
3. Avoid Storing Near Potatoes:
   • Potatoes release moisture that can cause onions to spoil.

Common Harvesting Mistakes to Avoid

1. Harvesting Too Early:
   • Premature harvesting results in small, underdeveloped onions.
2. Leaving Onions in Wet Soil:
   • Wet conditions can cause bulbs to rot before they’re harvested.
3. Skipping the Curing Process:
   • Uncured onions are prone to spoilage and won’t store well.

FAQs About Harvesting Onions

1. Can I harvest onions early if needed?
   • Yes, but they may not store well and should be used fresh.
2. How do I know if onions are overripe?
   • Overripe onions may split or develop soft spots.
3. What happens if I leave onions in the ground too long?
   • They may rot, sprout, or be damaged by pests.
4. Can I eat onions immediately after harvesting?
   • Yes, fresh onions can be eaten right away without curing.
5. Do I need to cure all onions?
   • Curing is necessary for storage onions but not for immediate use.
6. How long do cured onions last?
   • Properly cured onions can last 6-12 months in storage.
7. What’s the best time of day to harvest onions?
   • Harvest on a dry day in the morning or evening to avoid midday heat.
8. Should I wash onions after harvesting?
   • No, brushing off excess dirt is sufficient; washing can introduce moisture.
9. Can I store onions in a fridge?
   • Fridge storage is not ideal for long-term use but works for short-term needs.
10. How do I prevent pests during storage?
    • Inspect onions before storage and ensure the storage area is clean and dry.

Conclusion

Harvesting onions at the right time is key to enjoying their full flavor and ensuring they store well. By watching for signs of maturity, following proper harvesting techniques, and curing them correctly, you can enjoy fresh onions for months. Whether you’re growing spring-planted or overwintered onions, this guide will help you achieve a successful harvest.