Growing onions as a market gardener or small-scale producer

When choosing which vegetables to plant, factors like demand, shelf life, and pest resistance should be considered. Shane Brody says onions are a good option in this regard, and explains how to grow them.

- Shane Brody

Onions are one of the most widely consumed vegetables around the world, and South Africa is no exception. There is always high demand for this vegetable, and production costs are relatively low.

When asked about a good vegetable to plant, I advise producers to consider not only demand but also factors like such as shelf life and resistance to pests and fungus. In this regard, onions are a good choice.

BEST VARIETY

One of the best varieties to plant is the widely cultivated Texas Grano, known for its high yield, excellent storage quality/ shelf life and adaptability to different climates. Texas Grano onions are characterised by their yellow skin, white flesh and sweet, mild flavour. They are also relatively resistant to diseases such as fungal infections and pests like thrips.

Planting of this variety can be undertaken in South Africa from March to May, or from August to October, depending on the region and climate.

There are two main methods of planting onions: direct seeding and transplanting.