I Planted Old-fashioned Onions This Spring; They Are Now Over…
GILBERT Asked
I planted old-fashioned onions this spring; they are now over knee-high and still green. When can I harvest them? I want some to plant this fall.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Gilbert in Kentucky: I assume by “old fashioned” onions you are referring to the popular onion sets that are sold in garden centers in the early spring. These should be harvested when two-thirds of the tops have fallen over or died back. Spring planted onions should be harvested during the late summer or early fall. When the foliage starts to turn yellow this is a sign that the bulbs are ready to be harvested. Avoid letting all of the foliage die back before lifting them from the soil. When it is time to harvest, carefully lift the bulbs with your hand or a gardening tool but be careful not to bruise the bulbs since this can promote rot. The bulbs should be placed on a drying rack and allowed to dry for at least two weeks. They are now ready for storage in a cool, dry space that has good air circulation. Your fall planted onion sets will be ready for harvest early next summer.
