When is the right time to harvest onions?

Every year the growing season is different and therefore the time to harvest onions also varies. When, and how do you determine the right time. And what is the best way?

Harvesting conditions

As far as we are concerned, the general rule for when to harvest also depends on the growing objective and storage method. For storage onions, opt for fairly greenish grubbing (2/3 green foliage) and for slightly greenish (1/3 green foliage) for quick sales. Harvest the onions with sufficient depth, especially this season. When grubbing shallowly, the first damage can occur that can cause quality problems later in storage.

In addition, the advice is to clap and harvest onions only when they are wind-dried. Always fold the foliage above the top insertion of the shaft, which is about 10 cm length of the pipe. Clapping, lifting and harvesting a damp crop too short actually increases the risk of head and wound rot considerably. Clapping for too long can cause problems for further mechanical processing with loading and later with sanding out; but for the onion an sich, there is certainly no harm in clapping a little longer.

Charging

Loading the onions does not have to be quick, but it must be done carefully. Finally, it is important that the onions make as little falling movement as possible before they are in the shed and/or truck. We have seen good results in recent years when loading is done somewhat under sloppy conditions. This is in contrast to the prevailing feeling that loading should be done at the sharpest time of the day. An additional advantage is that you get a more even temperature in storage faster.

Need advice on determining the right harvesting moment? Our buyers are happy to advise. Contact our buyers.