Get High Returns from One Acre of Onions in Just 3 Months

Onions are among the most consumed vegetables in the country and offer higher profit margins than most other horticultural crops. They also have a longer shelf life (up to three months) than crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000104379/looking-for-high-returns-in-horticulture-think-onions

Onions are among the most consumed vegetables in the country and offer higher profit margins than most other horticultural crops. They also have a longer shelf life (up to three months) than crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000104379/looking-for-high-returns-in-horticulture-think-onions

Onions are among the most consumed vegetables in the country and offer higher profit margins than most other horticultural crops. They also have a longer shelf life (up to three months) than crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000104379/looking-for-high-returns-in-horticulture-think-onions

Onions are among the most consumed vegetables in the country and offer higher profit margins than most other horticultural crops. They also have a longer shelf life (up to three months) than crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000104379/looking-for-high-returns-in-horticulture-think-onions

Onions are among the most consumed vegetables in the country and offer higher profit margins than most other horticultural crops. They also have a longer shelf life (up to three months) than crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000104379/looking-for-high-returns-in-horticulture-think-onionsv

Onions are among the most consumed vegetables in the country and offer higher profit margins than most other horticultural crops. They also have a longer shelf life (up to three months) than crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000104379/looking-for-high-returns-in-horticulture-think-onions

Onions are one of the most consumed vegetables in Kenya, used daily in homes, restaurants, and hotels across the country. Yet, despite this huge demand, a large percentage of the onions sold in our markets are still imported from neighboring countries like Tanzania.

Onions ready for planting

This means there’s a golden opportunity for local farmers to tap into a market that’s far from saturated and earn high profits within a short period.

💰 Why Onion Farming is a Profitable Venture

Compared to most horticultural crops, onions offer higher profit margins and a longer shelf life — lasting up to three months when properly stored. With good farming practices and the right variety, an acre of hybrid bulb onions can yield up to 20,000 kilograms, earning you around Ksh 800,000 in just three months after transplanting.

That’s a return worth considering.

🧅 Best High-Yielding Onion Varieties in Kenya

To maximize productivity, go for improved hybrid varieties that are disease-resistant and produce uniform bulbs. Some of the most popular varieties include

• Jambar F1

• Red Pinoy F1

• Red Comet F1

• Red Passion F1

These varieties perform well across most onion-growing regions in Kenya and have excellent market demand due to their size, color, and storage quality.

🌿 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant Onions for Maximum Yield

1. Prepare a Raised Nursery Bed

• Make a 1-meter-wide nursery bed of any desired length.

• Apply well-decomposed manure at a rate of 15 kg per square meter.

• Mix in DAP fertilizer at 20 grams per square meter to boost early root development.

2. Planting the Seeds

• Make shallow furrows 15 cm apart.

• Mix seeds with dry ash, sand, or soil (1:3 ratio) to ensure even distribution.

• Plant and cover lightly with soil, then apply mulch (dry grass or a polythene sheet) to retain moisture.

3. Watering and Germination

• Water generously for the first 10 days, then continue watering regularly.

• Seeds will germinate in 7–10 days.

• Once they sprout, remove the mulch and use it to create shade over the tender seedlings.

4. Transplanting the Seedlings

• Transplant 6 weeks after sowing when seedlings are about 15 cm tall and have 3–5 leaves.

• Reduce shading two weeks before transplanting to harden the seedlings.

• Ensure your field soil is fertile and well-drained.

5. Field Management

• Maintain consistent watering, especially during dry periods.

• Weed regularly and apply fertilizer as recommended.

• Protect your crop from pests and diseases using safe control measures.

6. Harvesting

• Onions are ready for harvest 3–4 months after transplanting.

• When most leaves fall over and dry, pull out the bulbs and leave them to cure under shade for 7–10 days.

• Proper curing improves storage life and market value.

🌾 Pro Tips for Successful Onion Farming in Kenya

✅ Check market prices before planting to align with demand cycles.
✅ Choose the right variety for your region and season.
✅ Ensure good drainage—onions dislike waterlogging.
✅ Practice crop rotation to avoid soil-borne diseases.
✅ Store onions properly in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space.

🚀 Final Thoughts

With the right variety, good nursery management, and proper care, one acre of onions can turn into a highly rewarding agribusiness within just three months.

As demand continues to rise and imports dominate the market, local farmers have a perfect chance to bridge the gap—and profit from it.

So why wait? 🌾
Start your onion farming journey today and grow your way to financial freedom.