Onions are one of the most rewarding crops to grow in your garden. With their bold flavors and endless culinary uses, harvesting your own onions feels like a small triumph! But here’s the big question: when are onions ready to harvest and then, how to cure onions? Getting the timing right ensures your onions are not only delicious but also long-lasting in storage. Let’s explore the top signs to look for and learn how to harvest onions with confidence.
This past weekend, I harvested my red onions, and let me tell you—it was a satisfying and rewarding experience. Using a bread tray with large holes, I cured them in a dry, airy spot, and they’re now well on their way to being ready for storage. If you’re wondering “when are onions ready to harvest” and how to do it right, I’m sharing everything I learned along the way, plus tips to ensure your onions are flavorful and long-lasting. Let’s dive into how to Onions Ready to Harvest so you can enjoy the fruits of your harvest!
5 Signs Your Onions are Ready to Harvest
1. Yellowing and Drooping Tops
One of the clearest indicators that your onions are ready to harvest is the state of their tops (also called foliage). When the green leaves begin to turn yellow and fall over, it’s a natural sign that the onion’s growth cycle is nearing completion. This happens at the “neck” of the onion, where the leaves meet the bulb, and it signals that the plant has stopped growing and is ready for storage.
- Why it happens: This process occurs because the plant is redirecting energy from the leaves into the bulb.
- What to do: Wait until at least half of the onion tops in your garden have fallen over before considering harvest time. Patience here is key for fully developed and flavorsome bulbs.
2. Bulb Size is Fully Developed
A quick check of the bulb’s size can also tell you if it’s time to harvest. Mature onion bulbs will appear firm and full-sized, matching the variety you planted.
- How to check: Gently brush away some soil around the base of the onion to assess its size. If it’s reached the expected diameter (typically 2-4 inches for most varieties), it’s ready to go!
- Pro tip: Avoid pulling onions prematurely. Letting them mature in the ground enhances their flavor and storage potential.
That said, you can see in my photos that much of the foliage hadn’t died back when I Onions Ready to Harvest. I chose to pick them anyway because the bulbs were getting huge, and I had to balance the usual guideline of waiting for yellowing foliage with the fact that they were fully developed.
A lot of vegetable gardening comes down to common sense—every garden is different, and plants grow differently depending on the climate. If you’re ever unsure, trust your instincts and learn from the process.
3. Drying Neck Area
The neck of the onion—the part connecting the bulb to the tops—will start to dry out as the onion finishes growing. A dry, shriveled neck is another reliable signal that it’s harvest time.
- Why this matters: Onions with dry necks cure better, which is essential for long-term storage.
- What to look for: Check for softness or moisture in the neck area. If it feels pliable or wet, give it a bit more time.
4. Seasonal Timing
Onions Ready to Harvest usually take anywhere from 90 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. If you’ve been tracking your planting date, use this as a guideline to determine if your onions are nearing harvest readiness.
- Cool-weather onions: These are often ready by late spring or early summer.
- Warm-weather onions: Typically mature in mid to late summer.
- Helpful hint: Keep a garden journal to track planting and estimated harvest dates. This will make planning easier year after year.
5. Firmness of the Bulbs
Another quick test is to feel the bulbs themselves. Mature onions will feel firm and solid when gently squeezed. Soft or spongy bulbs may indicate that they’re not yet ready or have started to rot.
- What to avoid: Harvesting onions that still feel soft can lead to poor storage outcomes.
- Bonus tip: If you’re growing a mix of varieties, you may notice slight differences in firmness based on the type. Always check the variety’s maturity expectations.
How to Harvest Onions the Right Way
Once you’ve determined that your Onions Ready to Harvest, follow these steps to harvest them without damaging the bulbs:
- Choose the right day: Wait for a dry, sunny day to harvest. Wet conditions can increase the risk of rot.
- Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or trowel to gently loosen the soil around the bulbs.
- Lift carefully: Grasp the onion tops near the base and gently pull upward. Avoid yanking too hard, as this can damage the bulb or roots.
- Brush off dirt: Shake off any excess soil, but don’t wash the Onions Ready to Harvest at this stage.
Should You Cut the Tops Off Onions Before Curing?
Most gardening guides recommend leaving the tops on onions during the curing process. The tops, also known as foliage, help the bulbs dry more naturally and evenly. They also allow any remaining nutrients to transfer into the bulb during the initial curing stage. Cutting the tops off prematurely is often discouraged because it can expose the neck of the onion to potential moisture or bacteria, which might affect its storage life.
That said, I took a slightly different approach this season when I harvested my onions. To fit them neatly into my curing trays, I cut the tops off right after pulling the Onions Ready to harvest from the garden. I was curious if this would affect the curing process or the storage life of the onions.
To my delight, it didn’t seem detrimental at all! The onions still cured beautifully, with the outer layers becoming papery and the bulbs drying completely. By ensuring good air circulation and keeping the curing area dry, the onions were ready for long-term storage in just a couple of weeks.
If you’re short on space or using a unique curing method like trays with large holes, cutting the tops off early might work for you too. The key is to monitor the curing process closely and make sure the Onions Ready to Harvest are in ideal conditions: plenty of air circulation, no exposure to excess moisture, and a cool, shaded environment.
This experience taught me that while traditional methods are tried and true, there’s room for flexibility in gardening as long as the fundamentals are followed!
How to Cure Onions for Storage
After harvesting, curing your onions properly ensures they’ll last for months:
- Lay them out: Spread the onions in a single layer on a dry, well-ventilated surface, like a shaded porch or garage. I poked mine through the large holes of a bread tray to cure, which worked brilliantly. You could also use large-holed chicken wire or even an inverted freezer tray for a similar effect.
- Allow drying time: Let the onions cure for 2-3 weeks. During this time, the outer layers will become papery, and the necks will dry completely.
- Trim and store: Once cured, trim the roots and tops. Store your onions in a cool, dark place with good airflow.
Optimizing Storage Conditions for Long-Lasting Onions
Proper storage is the key to maximizing the storage life of your onions. Here are some tips to keep your onions fresh and flavorful for months:
- Cool and dark spaces: Store onions in a location with temperatures between 32°F and 40°F. A basement or pantry works well.
- Good air circulation: Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rot.
- Avoid plastic bags: Store onions in mesh bags or baskets to allow for proper airflow.
- Check regularly: Inspect stored onions periodically and remove any that show signs of spoilage.
Why Curing Onions is So Important
Curing onions isn’t just about drying them; it’s about preparing them for long-term storage. By allowing the outer layers to become completely dry and papery, you’re protecting the edible part of the bulb from moisture and pests.
- The curing process: As the tops and necks dry, they seal off the bulb from potential bacteria or mold.
- Food safety extension: Properly cured onions last longer, reducing food waste and giving you a reliable supply of home-grown vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you dry onions after harvesting?
To dry onions after harvesting, lay them out in a single layer on a dry, well-ventilated surface, such as a shaded porch, garage, or even chicken wire frames. Ensure good air circulation and let them cure for 2-3 weeks until the outer layers become papery and the necks are completely dry.
How do I know if my onions are ready to harvest?
Onions are ready to harvest when their tops turn yellow and flop over, the necks start to dry out, and the bulbs feel firm. Checking the size of the bulb can also help confirm maturity.
When harvesting onions do you cut the tops off?
It is generally recommended after harvesting, not to cut the tops off immediately (but I have done both). Allow the onions to cure with their tops intact. Once fully cured, you can trim the tops to about 1 inch above the bulb.
When to pull onions out of the ground?
Pull onions out of the ground when the tops have flopped over, at least half of the leaves are yellow, and the necks begin to dry. Ideally, choose a dry day to avoid introducing excess moisture.
How to cure onions by hanging?
To cure onions by hanging, tie the tops of several onions together in bundles. Hang these bundles in a dry, shaded area with good air circulation. Ensure the onions do not touch each other to allow for even drying. Let them cure for 2-3 weeks until the outer skins are papery and the necks are completely dry.
Final Thoughts on Learning How to Harvest Onions
Now that you know the five telltale signs of onion readiness, you can approach harvesting with confidence. By recognizing when onions are ready to harvest and following these simple steps on how to harvest onions, you’ll enjoy a bountiful crop that’s bursting with flavor and ready to store for months to come. Remember to cure onions properly, optimize your storage conditions, and embrace the joy of growing your own food. But don’t be afraid to take risks along the way and try out new methods! Happy gardening!
About the Author
Elle Reed is a passionate gardener and advocate for teaching beginner gardeners how to grow their own food. Elle’s mission is to inspire and empower people to get back to basics, grow their own produce, and embrace a sustainable lifestyle. “Whether it’s a few herb pots in an apartment, a potager or a full garden plot, we can all ‘start somewhere’ to grow our own food, and in doing so, provide healthier food for ourselves and those we love”.
