Onion — 7Harvest, storage & transport

• Harvest, curing and grading

  Harvest 75–160 days after planting, depending on the variety; the correct time is one week after 50% of the tops have fallen. Stop irrigation 15 days before harvest. After lifting, cure the bulbs with their tops in the shade for 10–15 days to remove field heat, then sort and grade before storage.

  Pending expert review

  Source

  Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Big onion – Harvesting and post-harvest management, p. 153

  Region

  Tamil Nadu

  Last updated

  2026-11-04

• Reducing sprouting in storage

  The source states that a pre-harvest spray of maleic hydrazide at 2500 ppm prevents sprouting of bulbs in storage, allowing storage for 6–7 months.

  Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use.

  Pending expert review

  Source

  Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Big onion – Harvesting and post-harvest management, p. 153

  Region

  Tamil Nadu

  Last updated

  2026-11-04