Onions are used in numerous cuisines across the world and are a staple in almost every kitchen. If you want to get good quality onions, then you should pick them up at the right time. Now do you know when to harvest onions? If your answer is no, then do not get disappointed because in this article, we will be discussing about that only, so let us begin.

Inspect the tops

The green tops (leaves) of the onion plant can be considered as a major indicator of maturity. When the onion bulb matures, the plants will use its energy for the development of bulb. If you notice that majority of tops across your garden have turned yellow or brown and fallen over, then you can conclude that your onion is ready for harvest. You can now pick them up.

If you harvest your onions too early, then you will get bulbs which are underdeveloped and smaller. On the other hand, waiting for too long, especially during humid conditions can lead to rotting.

Do not forcefully bend tops to bend or break artificially, because this will put stress on your plants and reduce their storage quality. You should let the tops to fall naturally. If only few tops are down, you can harvest them individually and wait for the rest.

Size of the bulb

Another way by which you can determine the time for harvesting onions by looking at the size of the bulb. Mature onions have firm, well-formed bulbs with dry, papery external skin. The neck should feel dry and tight, not soft and juicy. In case of storage onions, the external layers should be fully developed and crackly, thus safeguarding the inner layers.

The papery skin of the onion acts as a protective shield, thus extending its shelf life by protecting the onion from moisture and pathogens. Immature onions with thinner skins are more vulnerable to spoiling.

It is recommended that you use a soft cloth and gently brush away soil around a bulb to check its size and skin development without uprooting it fully. If you notice that the external layers are green or soft, then leave the onions as it is and give them some time.

Consider the time of the year

Majority of onions are planted in Spring and are ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, depending on the climate and onion variety. Seasonal factors like day length and temperature have an impact on the growth of onions. Short day onion varieties will require 10 to 12 hours of sunlight for forming bulbs. Long day onion varieties on the other hand require 14 to 16 hours of sunlight. Knowledge about your planting zone and onion variety will enable you to predict the right time for harvest. If you live in an area with early frosts, then pick the onions before the onset of winters because freezing temperature can damage the bulbs.

Picking onions at the right time is essential for ensuring flavorful, high-quality bulbs. By following the above mentioned steps, you can find out the right time for harvesting your onions.