Grow Bulb onions; they have a great market demand in Kenya due to small-scale cultivation. The produce from farmers who grow onions is not enough to meet the high need for onion bulbs.
Low production is due to poor onion farming practices and poor growing conditions in most regions.
Conditions Necessary to Grow Bulb Onions in Kenya
- Onions do better in well-drained soil with a PH of 6.0 to 6.8.
- Temperature needs to be in the range of 13 -35 degrees.
- An altitude of 500 to 1200 m above sea level is good.
Varieties of Onions to Grow in Kenya
The common varieties to grow bulb onions in Kenya are;
- Red Creole
- Red Pinoy
- Jambar 1
- Red Bombay
Essential Steps for Growing Bulb Onions in Kenya
Seedling Propagation
A successful onion farming starts with seedling propagation. Prepare seedling beds and proceed to sow onion seeds. You can also use seedling trays, the best method, to propagate onion seedlings.
How to propagate Onion Seedlings in Beds
- Prepare the land and make seedling beds about 30- 50 cm in height. Mix soil with manure and make small trenches using a stick.
- Sow the seeds.
- Cover the beds with mulches and irrigate the beds gently until the soil is moist.
- Remove mulches once the seedlings germinate to enhance growth.
How to Propagate in Seedling Trays
- Mix the soil with compost manure and cocopeat dust.
- Fill seedling trays with the mixture.
- Sow or grow bulb onion seeds in the cells and ensure they are placed about 1 inch below the soil. Place the trays in a protected structure such as a shade house.
- Water the trays frequently until the seedlings germinate.
- The seedlings take about 7-10 days to germinate.
Transplant the Seedlings
- Onion seedlings take about 6 weeks to mature enough for transplant. Ensure you transplant when the leaves are 15 cm tall. Dig holes 10 – 15 cm deep and about 15 cm apart.
- Uproot the onion seedlings from beds or seedling trays while ensuring the roots come out with their soil intact.
- Plant the seedlings in the holes and irrigate them immediately.
- Ensure continuous irrigation until the bulbs are mature enough for harvest.
Why You Should acquire an Onion Drip Irrigation Kit
The rain could be insufficient in some regions, and thus drip irrigation is essential to effectively water and grow bulb onions in Kenya. Connect drip irrigation kits after transplanting your onion seedlings and make your onions get sufficient water.
Buy Onion Drip Irrigation Kits from Us
We are your ideal onion drip kit supplier in Kenya with convenient low-price packages. Grow Bulb onions in Kenya with our best drip kits.
Look at the cost of Onion drip Kits per acre;
| Unit of the Farm (Acreage) | Cost as per the Number of Lines per Bed | ||
| Single line per bed | Double lines per bed | 3 lines per bed | |
| 1 Acre | 65,000 | 95,000 | 130,000 |
| ½ Acre | 30,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 |
| ¼ Acre | 16,000 | 25,000 | 35,000 |
| ⅛ Acre | 10,000 | 15,000 | 20,000 |
Essential Tips for Watering| Growing Bulb Onions in Kenya
- Use drip irrigation kits to water onion plants as they are more effective compared to other methods.
- Increase water application during the bulb formation stage as more water is required for proper bulb growth.
Tips for Growing and Harvesting Onions in Kenya
- Ensure you grow bulb onions in Kenya at the proper time to get the best produce and meet the high demand during harvest. Always best to plant in August and harvest in December.
- Harvest your onions during dry days to avoid the bulb from rotting.
- Start harvesting when the leaves die, it shows the bulbs are mature enough for harvest.
- Uproot and cut the roots and leaves then dry the bulb after harvest.
Common Challenges and Solutions to Growing bulb Onions in Kenya
- Excessive irrigation is a challenge for growing onions. Results to stagnant growth.
Solution : Use a proper method of irrigation such as drip method to enhance precise and optimal watering.
- Diseases such as Downy mildew affects onion plants.
Solution : Avoid Irrigation that causes as it causes fungal infections due to excess irrigation. Use recommended pesticides.
- Weed growth results in competition for nutrients and water.
Solution : Proper herbicides such as Governor.
- Pests such as thrips cut affects the foliage and bulb formation.
Solution : Proper pesticides
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Best Practices for Growing Onions in Kenya?
- Plant onions during the periods of low demand
- Irrigation using drip irrigation method
- Harvesting during the dry season
2. How Long Does it Take to Grow Onions in Kenya?
It takes 3 – 4 months for onions to mature depending on the conditions.
3. What Are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Onion Farming in Kenya?
Well-drained soil with a PH of 6.0 to 6.8
4. Which Onion Varieties Thrive in Kenya’s Climate?
- Red Creole, Red Pinoy, Jambar F1 and Red Bombay
5. What Challenges Do Farmers Face When Growing Onions in Kenya?
- Excess irrigation is a challenge for growing onions. Results to stagnant growth.
- Diseases such as Downy mildew affects onion plants. Irrigation that causes excess watering should be avoided as it causes fungal infections
- Weed growth results in competition for nutrients and water.
- Pests such as thrips cut affects the foliage and bulb formation.
