As a gardening and landscape gardening expert , I can provide you with some perceptivity on harvesting onion early on . harvest onions ahead of time is potential , but it look on your signify usage for the onion .
If you are looking to revel the mild and crisp preference of young onions , also know as scallions or green onions , you could harvest them before they have develop a bulb . These youthful onions are typically harvested when the peak are about 6 - 8 column inch tall . They can be used in various culinary dishes , such as salads , shake - nestling , or as a garnish . The vantage of harvesting scallions too soon is that they have a milder and less pungent flavor compared to full mature onions .
However , it ’s crucial to note that scallions do not stack away well due to their lack of protective skin . Therefore , it is best to use them right away after harvesting or store them in the icebox for a short time period of time .
On the other hand , if your aim is to develop onions for retentive - terminal figure entrepot , it is advocate to wait until the foliation has toppled before lifting the onion . This stand for allowing the onion plants to fully mature and the top to of course die down . The leaf will turn yellowed and start to fall down over , indicate that the plants are ready for harvest .
When the foliage has toppled , gently go up the onions from the dirt using a garden fork or trowel . Avoid pull out or yanking the onion , as this can damage the bulb . Once raise , allow the onion to dry in a well - ventilated area for a few days . This drying unconscious process helps to cure the onions and get rid of excess moisture , which aids in their storehouse longevity .
After the onion have dry out , cut back off the pinnacle to about an inch above the incandescent lamp and remove any idle or damaged outer layer . This will facilitate prevent the bedcover of diseases and improve the overall appearance of the onions . Once properly bring around and trimmed , the onion can be store in a cool , dry , and well - give vent place , such as a buttery or basement .
In my personal experience , I have found that onions reap early as spring onion are a delightful addition to fresh salad and summertime dishes . The meek flavor and crisp grain bestow a refreshing element to the overall taste . to boot , harvesting mature onions for storage is a rewarding experience as it allow you to enjoy homegrown onions throughout the year .
To summarize , it is o.k. to harvest onions early if you are specifically looking for untested onions or Allium porrum . However , if you require onion for long - full term storage , it is best to wait until the leaf has tip and the bulbs have in full matured . Remember to handle the onions with attention during harvesting and by rights cure and store them to ensure their length of service .
Caroline Bates
