know when onions are ready to foot can be determined by observing a few cardinal indicators . While there is no thoroughgoing size for Allium cepa , their set for harvest can be determined by their medulla size of it , the color and condition of the tops , and the stage of increment .
One of the elemental signs that onions are ready to be picked is the size of the incandescent lamp . Onions should be allowed to grow and mature fully before harvest . This stand for allowing the bulbs to reach a size of it that befit your preference . Some people prefer smaller onions , while others opt prominent ace . It ’s entirely up to you and your personal gustatory perception . Generally , the medulla should be big enough to converge your requirements before look at glean them .
In plus to lightbulb size , the tops of the onions supply important clues about their readiness for harvest time . As the Allium cepa senesce , the cover will begin to turn yellow and start to fall over . This is a rude process and indicates that the onions are nearing their peak ripeness . The yellowing and falling over of the tops is a outcome of the industrial plant redirecting its energy from the top of the inning to the bulbs , indicate that they are ready to be harvested . It ’s authoritative not to expect too long after this stage , as onion can become overripe and prone to molder if left in the ground for too long .
When the onion are hold quick for crop , it ’s time to rive them up from the primer . This can be done by lightly grasping the tops near the base of the plant and pull upwards . If the grime is wanton enough , the Allium cepa should add up out easily . However , if the ground is compress , you may need to apply a garden crotch or trowel to loosen the soil around the bulbs before pulling them .
After pull the onion from the ground , it ’s important to shake off any redundant soil clinging to the electric light . This can be done by gently tapping the onions or lightly sweep off the grunge with your hand . Be careful not to damage the bulbs in the process .
Once the superfluous soil has been slay , the onions should be lay out to cure . Curing is the process of allowing the onions to dry and germinate a protective skin . This can be done by lay them out in a single layer in a cool , wry , and well - ventilated area . It ’s best to lead the teetotum of the onion attached during the curing mental process , as they help to preserve the bulb and prevent moisture loss .
Curing typically takes a few weeks , during which prison term the onions will bit by bit develop a papery outer skin . This pelt helps protect the bulbs and allows them to be stored for longer periods of prison term without spoiling . Once the onions have in full cure , they can be trim of their tops and roots , if desire , and stored in a nerveless , dry place for succeeding use .
Knowing when onions are ready to blame involves considering the size of the bulb , the coloring material and condition of the tops , and the stage of growth . Harvesting onions when the bulbs are big enough for your predilection and the tops have turned yellow-bellied and fallen over is by and large a good indicator that they are ready . recall to shake off extra soil , permit them to bring around with the meridian attached , and store them properly for farsighted - terminus use .
Caroline Bates
