Variety traits

Vegetation period — onion

Allium cepa L. var. cepa

The vegetation period of an onion is a key varietal trait, measured from mass emergence to technical maturity, which determines storage potential and crop management strategy.

In the reference 109 varieties crop Onion, where this is mentioned in the description.

For this crop, the end of the vegetation period is characterized by mass lodging of the foliage, yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as drying of the bulb neck and the formation of outer scales. Based on the duration of the period, varieties are classified as early-maturing (60–100 days), mid-maturing (90–120 days), and late-maturing (more than 120 days).

The duration of the vegetation period directly affects storability: varieties with a long dry matter accumulation cycle store better than early-maturing ones. Agronomic practices require the cessation of irrigation 2–3 weeks before the end of the vegetation period, as excess nitrogen or moisture during this time delays ripening, leads to the formation of a thick neck, and reduces the resistance of the bulbs to decay.

Failure to observe harvest timing is critical for crop quality. Overstaying in the field triggers secondary root growth or bolting, while premature harvesting leaves the neck succulent and vulnerable to infections, as the outer scales do not have enough time to form.

General information about the subject — on the page Vegetation period.

Sources8

Varieties of Onion mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.