Harvesting, storage and marketing of bulb onions

Abstract

When the crop is mature the neck becomes soft and the leaves fall over. Usually the crop is harvested when 80% of the plants have reached this stage. If the weather is dry the onions may be laid out in rows in the field for leaves and roots to dry off. However if rain is likely onions should be placed under a shelter to dry. This takes about 7 days. After this roots and tops may be removed with a sharp knife and the onions bagged for sale. Alternatively the onions may be placed in store with roots and tops still attached (these can be removed when bagging for sale).