• Cultivation Requirements: Onions prefer cool temperatures between 13–24°C and require well-drained sandy loam soils. Short-day onion varieties are suitable for Zimbabwe, needing 10–12 hours of daylight to form bulbs
  • Best Practices:
  • Seed Selection: Opt for certified short-day varieties.
  • Land Preparation: Ensure fine tilth and incorporate organic matter.
  • Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizers, emphasizing phosphorus during early growth stages
  • Irrigation: Maintain consistent moisture, avoiding waterlogging.
  • Suitable Locations: Cultivated in Nyanga, Murehwa, and Macheke.
  • Planting Seasons: Main planting occurs from March to May.
  • Planting Seasons: Main planting occurs from March to May.
  • Common Pests: Thrips.
  • Common Diseases: Downy mildew and pink root.
  • Recommended Pesticides: Use insecticides like spinosad for thrips and fungicides such as metalaxyl for downy mildew.
  • Market Demand: Strong local demand, with opportunities in supermarkets and processing industries.
  • Export Potential: Moderate, with potential in regional markets.
  • Profitability: Moderate to high, especially with proper storage facilities to extend shelf life

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