Onion is one of the products that is doing good commercially, major types of onions farmed in Kenya are bulb onions. It takes about 3 to 4 months for them to reach maturity.
It‘s recommended to get the seeds for propagation from an Agro-vet. A farmer should consider variety of seeds they are going to grow, place and the type of soil. There are two types of seeds: the high breed and non high breed. For the high breed, a seed rate of 1kg goes to an acre. For non high breed a round 1.25 kg in one acre.
Onion Beddings
Onion is a warm climate product. It does well in warm areas, it requires water but not heavy. When forming bulb it exposes itself from the soil so that it is heat by the sun and turns the colour.
Onion seeds are perennial in nature they produce seed during their second year. Land preparation should be done in advance to make sure the soil is well tilt. To prepare a bedding, do a bed of 3 metres so that you can be able to walk or weed in between the beddings.
Soil preparation
Soil needs to be well drained and reach in nitrogen. Manure compost can be added to the soil before transplanting seeding.
Onion plants are heavy feeders they require nourishment to produce big bulb. Onion does not require a lot of manure it makes the onion to rot.
It‘s best to have your land ready three or four weeks before the day of planting.
Seed Fertilization
For best results, sow the seeds in nursery under mulch cove. It‘s an impact resistant material as it allows natural fertilization.
Ensure the seed bed is irrigated thoroughly, through sprinkle irrigation. Irrigate when there is less heat during the day to avoid loss through evaporation.Remove the mulch when the seed has germinated to avoid the effects of growth.
The rate of seed production is 2-3 kg per acre. The onions should be watered for about 5-6 weeks.
