How to store onion plants before planting?

How to Store Onion Plants Before Planting

Storing onion plants before planting can help you enjoy a bountiful harvest by keeping them healthy, robust, and disease-free. With the right storage techniques, you can maintain their quality and ensure a successful start for your onion crop. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of storing onion plants before planting.

Before Storing

Before you store your onion plants, make sure to check the condition of the bulbs. Select onions with firm, intact skin and no signs of disease or rot. Remove any debris or foliage from the bulbs, as these can harborage pests and diseases.

Types of Onion Plant Storage

There are two primary methods of storing onion plants: drying and moist storage. The choice of storage method depends on the type of onion, storage facility, and desired storage duration.

• Drying Storage: This method involves drying the onions to remove excess moisture, reducing the risk of rot and disease.

  • Suitable for: short-day onion varieties, which have shorter growing seasons and are less susceptible to fungal diseases.
  • Storage period: up to 6 months.

• Moist Storage: This method involves storing the onions in a humid environment, allowing for a slower growth rate and extended storage period.

  • Suitable for: long-day onion varieties, which require more days of daylight to mature.
  • Storage period: up to 1 year.

Drying Storage Techniques

1. Air Drying: Store onions in a well-ventilated area with a relative humidity of 60-80%.

   • Place onions in a wire basket or perforated bag to improve airflow.
   • Monitor the onions regularly, discarding any that show signs of decay or drying.

2. Dehumidified Storage: Store onions in an environment with a relative humidity below 40%.

   • Use a dehumidifier or store onions in an airtight container with silica gel packets to absorb moisture.
   • Maintain a temperature of 40-50°F (4-10°C).

Moist Storage Techniques

1. Refrigerator Storage: Store onions in a reducing environment with high humidity.

   • Wrap onions individually in newspaper or aluminum foil to prevent moisture transfer.
   • Store in the refrigerator at 39-41°F (4-5°C).

2. Storage Pit or Box: Store onions in a humid pit or sealed box with a covering layer of straw or pine needles.

   • Monitor the pit or box regularly, ensuring that it remains cool and humid.

Monitoring and Maintaining

Regular monitoring is crucial when storing onion plants to ensure optimal storage conditions and prevent contamination. Check your stored onions:

• Regularly: Every 7-10 days for signs of spoilage, mold, or pests.
• Weekly: For moisture levels and overall condition.
• Monthly: For temperature and humidity to maintain optimal storage conditions.

Conclusion

Proper storage of onion plants before planting is essential for maintaining their health and quality. By understanding the different storage techniques, types of onion plants, and factors to consider, you can store your onions effectively and enjoy a successful harvest.