How to Influence Onion and Garlic Bulb Number

Planting crops at higher densities can result in greater numbers of onion bulbs, but of smaller size. Thus, it is important to manipulate sowing density to provide maximum yields of a desired bulb size. A balanced crop nutrition is important to help to reach yield potentials.

Crop Nutrition and Onion and Garlic Number

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is one of  the most important nutrients required for high onion yields. Onions are known as gross feeders and crops can remove 2-3 kg of nitrogen for every ton harvested.

Calcium Nitrate

Studies with calcium nitrate confirm this is one of the most effective forms for high yields.

Potassium

Potassium is important for high yields in onion and garlic crops.

It is the second most utilised nutrient and uptake peaks during bulb formation and enlargement. However, care has to be taken as over-application can lead to yield reductions.

Zinc

Trials have shown that zinc nutrition can improve seed germination and seed yield, both important for high yields.