Onion harvest season is here. How to tell when it’s time

Onions are among the most commonly used vegetables. It would be nearly impossible to imagine certain dishes without them. In hot dishes, they serve as the base for many meals, and in cold dishes, they’re the perfect seasoning or garnish. Red onions like these look fantastic and definitely won’t disappoint in terms of flavor. Now, in July and August, it’s time to harvest onions. It’s essential to harvest them at the right time; otherwise, the crop will be worthless. That’s why we’ll take a look at the basic signs that it’s time to harvest.

Lying-down of the top as a basic indicator

The first and likely the main indicator that it’s time to harvest onions is undoubtedly when the top begins to lie down. As the onion grows, the top begins to turn yellow and dry out. However, it usually remains in an upright position. Once the tops begin to lie flat and are practically resting on the bulbs themselves, it’s the ideal time to harvest. For many onion varieties, this time comes as early as July. When the tops begin to lie flat usually depends on elevation as well. In lower-lying, sunny areas, this happens earlier, as you might expect.

Not lying-down onions: Photo Pixabay

Set onions are traditionally harvested in July

If you planted set onions, you’re probably harvesting them right now. For onions grown from seed, the harvest comes later. It usually takes place in the second half of August.

Harvest in dry conditions

Absolutely. It may seem obvious, but onions should be harvested in dry conditions. It’s not worth the trouble to pull individual onions out of the mud. The soil simply must not be sticky.

Tip: How to extend the shelf life of onions? Use plain flour.

When should you water the onions for the last time?

Ideally, stop watering the onions completely about 2 weeks before harvest. This will help them ripen smoothly and also reduce the risk of rot. Rot is relatively common in onions.

Sources: Author, Meta

Photo and photogallery: Pixabay