How do I know when onions are ready to harvest?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Understanding when onions are ready makes the difference between successful storage bulbs and disappointing mush. I can recall my first harvest let down with clarity. I harvested lovely bulbs only to discover they were rotting weeks later. The timing relies on visual cues, not calendar dates.
Top Collapse Pattern
- Observe 50-90% naturally fallen tops
- Healthy collapse indicates completed growth
- Avoid onions with only 10-20% fallen tops
Neck Texture Test
- Check for papery thin necks
- Should crackle when gently bent
- Thick green necks mean immature bulbs
Bulb Firmness Check
- Feel for solid firmness
- Skin appears tight and shiny
- Soft spots indicate rot issues
Weather conditions seriously affect the success of the harvest. Always wait 48 hours after rain before pulling bulbs. Excess moisture in the soil leads to rot in nearly half of the onions harvested wet. I check forecasts religiously when planning maturity periods around dry time.
Use appropriate lifting methods to avoid harm. Slide a garden fork six inches away from bulbs, angling away from the roots. Loosen soil gently without stabbing the bulbs. I grasp near the base, never the tops, and twist upward to detach roots undisturbed.
Curing mistakes can destroy great harvests. Avoid trimming green tops immediately after pulling. It is best to dry the crop for two weeks in shaded areas with good air circulation. I use mesh bags to hang mine in my garage. I check them daily for any soft spots.
The rewards of a homegrown onion success will approximate the wait and patience it took to get to this point. If harvested properly, storage bulbs will keep for many months. You will also experience the beautiful, sweet flavor that many store-bought onions now lack. Use these critical signs and methods to transition from garden to table.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Onions: Complete Guide
