Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions are among the variety of crops that thrive in Kenya. Spring Onion farming in Kenya is popular because it presents a lucrative and low-risk opportunity for farmers to venture in.

This blog covers everything from the conditions of growth to ideal irrigation practices of Spring onion farming in Kenya.

Cost of Drip Kits for Spring Onion Farming in Kenya

• 1/8 Acre: KES 20,000 – KES 38,000
• 1/4 Acre: KES 40,000 – KES 55,000
• 1/2 Acre: KES 70,000 – KES 90,000
• 1 Acre: KES 95,000 – KES 170,000

To buy drip Kits for Onion farming; Call 0790719020

The Demand for Spring Onions in the Kenya

Green Onions are among the most on-demand cuisines in Kenya reliable for its flavour addition when preparing variety of stews and dishes. Spring Onions have a fast growth cycle and significantly high demand in domestic markets. Both small scale and large-scale farmers can opt for spring onions.

Due to its consistent demand, a ready market for spring onions is available at high prices especially on peak seasons. Spring Onions take around 60-75 days to mature after transplanting thus it can be harvested year-round.

Conditions for Spring Onion Farming in Kenya

Temperature: Optimal temperature for spring onions is between 13°C to 25°C.

• Altitude: spring onions does well in highlands and mid altitude levels of 500m to 2500m above sea level.
• Moisture: requires a consistent and steady moisture of 600mm to 1200mm for high yields. Irrigation is ideal for areas with low rainfall.
• Soil requirements: Well drained fertile loam soil. PH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for growth of green onions.

How to Prepare for Spring Onion Farming in Kenya

Proper preparation is the cornerstone of a bountiful spring onion harvest. This involves several key steps to ensure your land is ready to welcome these vibrant greens.

Clearing and Tilling the Land

Start by removing bushes and perennial weeds from your farm to pave way for clear land. Then Plow the land to a depth of 15-20 cm to ensure loose soil for proper root growth, aeration and water absorption.

Adding Manure or Fertilizer

Soil needs addition of nutrients to boost fertility when growing spring onions mainly because the plant is known for high nutrient uptake. Mix around 1.5 to 2 tons of compost manure per acre with soil after land cultivation to boost manure and soil structure.

Artificial fertilizers such as Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) is also suitable but soil tests should be done first. 50 kg of DAP is often used for an acre of land.

Nursery Preparation (for Transplanting)

Spring onions are started in nursery seedling beds and then transplanted to the farm. The procedure below shows how to start spring onions in nursery beds.

• Raised Beds: Create raised beds approximately 1 meter wide and of a convenient length. Raised beds improve drainage and make management easier.
• Soil Mix: Work in well-decomposed manure (about 15kg per square meter) and a phosphate fertilizer (around 20g per square meter) into the nursery bed soil. Mix thoroughly.
• Sowing Seeds: Make shallow furrows (about 2cm deep and 15cm apart) in the nursery bed. Sow your spring onion seeds thinly in these furrows.
• Mulching: Lightly cover the sown seeds with a thin layer of soil and then apply a thin layer of mulch (e.g., dry grass or banana leaves). This helps retain moisture and prevents seeds from being washed away during irrigation.
• Germination and Shade: Spring onion seeds typically germinate within 7 to 10 days. Once germination occurs, remove the mulch and consider providing partial shade for the tender young seedlings, especially during the hottest parts of the day, to protect them from scorching sun.

Steps for Spring Onion Farming in Kenya : From Nursery to Field

Timing for Transplanting: transplanting is done once the seedlings are 10-15 cm tall. This is often after 4-6 weeks of sowing in nursery beds. It is done in morning or evening to prevent seedling drying from hot sun.

Field Preparation for Transplanting

Makes rows with 30 cm spacing between each other. Dig planting holes for the onion seedlings approximately 8-10 cm apart.

Transplanting Process

To transplant, uproot the seedlings from nursery beds very carefully to prevent root damage. When planting, place the seedlings to ensure the roots are below the surface and gently press the soil hold the plant onto the ground. Water the seedlings thoroughly to ensure they don’t dry.

Top Dressing

Spring onions may require addition of nitrogenous fertilizer such as Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) to enhance lush green leaves. Approximately 10 kg of CAN is recommended for 1 acre.

Spring Onion Farming in Kenya: Best Method to Water Spring Onions

Consistent moisture is vital for healthy spring onion growth, but overwatering can be harmful. The best irrigation method ensures efficient water use, minimizes fungal diseases, and promotes optimal yields.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is the recommended method to irrigate spring onions. It is suitable for watering springs onions due to;

• Water efficiency: directs water to the root zone thus no wastage.
• Reduced Disease Risk: foliage remain dry hence fungal infections such as Downy Mildew are preventable.
• Nutrient Delivery: precise application of soluble fertilizer using fertilizer injector.
• Weed Control: minimal weed growth.
• Adequate and balance water flow: the drip kits enhance equal and continuous water flow ideal for optimal growth.
• Saves on Labour: drip kits require less labour to operate the system.

Watering Frequency and Amount

Frequent irrigation of 2 to 3 times a week is enough to keep the spring onions with adequate moisture supply. Ensure the soil moisture is at a depth of 6-8 mm per day until the plant matures.

Always check soil moisture levels to adjust watering based on actual plant needs and prevailing weather conditions.

Spring Onion Irrigation Kits in Kenya

Investing in a quality irrigation kit is a smart move for any serious spring onion farmer in Kenya.

Components of a Drip Irrigation Kit for Onions

A standard drip irrigation kit for spring onions will typically include:

• Drip Tapes/Drip Lines: These are the primary components, featuring integrated emitters that release water at a controlled rate. For spring onions, drip lines with emitter spacing of 10cm, 15cm, or 20cm are ideal to ensure even water distribution to individual plants. Wall thickness of 0.3mm or 0.4mm is common for durability.
• Mainline and Sub-mainline Pipes (HDPE or PVC): These larger pipes carry water from the source to the drip lines. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pipes are often preferred for their durability.
• Fittings and Connectors: A variety of fittings (tees, elbows, couplings, end caps, starter connectors) are essential for connecting different pipe sections and drip lines, ensuring a secure and leak-free system.
• Water Filter: Crucial for preventing clogging of the drip emitters from dirt and debris in the water source. Both screen and disc filters are commonly used.
• Control Valves: These allow for division of the farm into smaller irrigation blocks, enabling better water pressure management and targeted watering.
• Fertigation Kit (Optional but Recommended): This system allows for the injection of soluble fertilizers directly into the irrigation water, making nutrient application highly efficient.
• Water Source and Storage Tank: Depending on your water source (borehole, river, municipal supply), you’ll need a suitable pump (electric, solar, or diesel) and a water storage tank, especially for gravity-fed systems.

Where to Buy Onion Irrigation Kits in Kenya

Aqua Hub Kenya: A well-known supplier of drip irrigation kits for various crops, including onions. We offer full packages for 1/8 acre to 1 acre and beyond with installation services.

Call 0790719020

Cost of Onion Irrigation Kits in Kenya

The cost of an onion irrigation kit in Kenya varies significantly depending on several factors:

• Farm Size: Naturally, larger farms require more components and thus higher costs.
• Number of Drip Lines Per Bed: Farmers can choose to lay 2, 3, or 4 drip lines per raised bed. More lines generally lead to higher costs but can ensure more uniform watering.
• Quality of Accessories: The durability and brand of pipes, emitters, filters, and fittings will influence the price.
• Additional Features: Inclusion of fertigation kits, advanced filtration systems, or automated controls will add to the overall cost.
• Installation Services: Some suppliers include installation in their quotes, while others charge separately.

Maximizing Profitability in Spring Onion Farming

• Pest and Disease Management: Spring onions are susceptible to pests like thrips, onion maggots, and leaf miners, and diseases such as downy mildew, purple blotch, and fusarium wilt. Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that includes regular field hygiene, crop rotation, and judicious use of recommended pesticides and fungicides when necessary
• Weed Control: Weeds compete with spring onions for nutrients and water, reducing yields. Hand weeding is often preferred due to the shallow roots of spring onions. Mulching also helps suppress weed growth.
• Market Research: Research local market prices and demand before planting. Consider direct sales to consumers, restaurants, hotels, or working with aggregators. Explore value addition, such as bundling spring onions for retail.