Fast Facts
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When Should Onions Be Harvested?
Onions should be harvested in dry weather because wet soil and humid conditions increase the risk of spreading diseases.
There is no single way to harvest onions.
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Ideally, do not use a sharp instrument.
If the soil is soft and loose, pull them out by their foliage.
Any moisture and openings in the neck will make the onion prone to rotting in storage.
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After curing is complete, cut the neck to 1 inch above the bulb.
This is called topping the onions, and it can be done with clippers or pruners.
Defective onions release moisture, which encourages disease in all the stored onions.
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Tip
Do not store onions with other fruits or vegetables.
The storage life of onions depends on the variety and storage conditions.
Check the description and variety information when purchasing onion seeds or onion sets.
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Bending onion leaves is detrimental to bulb growth.
This leads to smaller, not larger bulbs.
Many gardening experts recommend leaving the tops of onions alone until they are fully grown.
Onions are sensitive to ethylene, which potatoes and apples produce.
The gas causes the onions to sprout and mold.
Apples and potatoes will absorb onion flavor.
Harvesting and Curing Onions.
