Onions
Onion
Key Requirements
| Land | Low to Medium |
| Labor | High |
| Capital | Medium to High |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Stands
- CSA
- Restaurants
- Auctions
Pests & Disease
Disease problems include bulb and neck rot, leaf blast, and purple leaf blotch. Onion maggot and thrips are the main insect pests of onions.
$9380
Cost per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
$1020
Returns per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
- Need time to dedicate to season long weed management as onions do not compete well with other vegetation and will not shade out the competition.
- Onion planting and harvest is labor-intensive and hired labor is usually necessary.
- Onions have poorly developed root systems, plants will require supplemental moisture via irrigation.
Opportunities
- Onions prefer a soil high in organic matter with a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
- Varieties bred specifically for fresh consumption can be grown in Kentucky.
- Can be grown on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch to help manage weeds.