How to Harvest and Store Onions

easyGardeningSeveral days (including curing)6 steps

Safety Warnings

Cultivator — Hand tool for lifting bulbs

Ventilated trays or racks — For air circulation during curing

Chaff or straw — Insulation for frozen storage(As needed)

Pull the bulbs from the ground or cultivate them up when the crop is ready.

Tip: Avoid bruising the bulbs during the gathering process.

Leave bulbs to dry in double rows for several days.

Tip: Brief exposure to wind and sun completes the wilting of the tops.

Remove the tops and roots from the bulbs.

Tip: Ensure bulbs are ripened on the ground first.

Spread bulbs out on ventilated trays, racks, or a few inches deep on a floor.

Tip: Do not keep uncured onions in barrels; they must be perfectly ventilated.

Store bulbs in a dry, shady place with good air circulation, such as a loft.

Tip: Avoid damp cellars.

For long-term winter storage in specific climates, cover bulbs with chaff or straw to hold them frozen until spring.

Tip: This method is generally unsafe for beginners or in changeable climates.

Sweet or milder varieties do not store well and should be eaten soon after harvest.
Storage varieties typically require 90 to 110 days to mature.
Properly cured long-storage varieties (like Copra) can last 8-12 months.

Synthesized from 6 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Cornell ExtensionView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →