Onion Farming: Step by Step

Onions have a strong market in Tanzania and neighboring countries. The crop takes 4–5 months from planting to harvest and rewards good planning.

1. Nursery (Days 1–45)

Sow seed on fine nursery beds mixed with compost. Water moderately daily. Seedlings are ready after 40–45 days at pencil thickness.

2. Field Preparation and Transplanting

• Plough to a fine tilth; onions like free-draining loam.
• Apply phosphorus basal fertilizer (DAP or NPK).
• Transplant at 30 cm between rows, 8–10 cm between plants.

3. Weeding and Top-dressing

Onions compete poorly with weeds — weed early and often. Three to four weeks after transplanting apply top-dressing (measured CAN or UREA), repeat 3 weeks later.

4. Diseases and Pests

• Purple blotch and downy mildew: apply protective fungicides, especially in humid weather.
• Thrips: tiny pests that silver the leaves — control early.

5. Harvest and Storage

Harvest when 50–70% of tops have fallen and started drying. Cure in shade for 7–14 days until necks are fully dry. Store with good airflow — well-cured onions keep 3–6 months, letting you wait for better prices.

We stock quality onion seed, fertilizers and crop protection. Buy here or ask for free advice.