Bunching Onion Production
Because of the different production areas that KKSP uses, it is possible to produce early, normal and late-bolting bunching onions.
AUG/SEPT
Receiving stock seed
NOV/DEC
Sowing stock seed
DEC/JAN
Vegetative development
FEB/MAR
Transplanting seedlings
APR - AUG
Vegetative growth
SEPT/NOV
Flowering, seed set & harvesting
DEC/JAN
Drying & cleaning
FEB/MAR
Packing & export
Aug - Sept
August/September
Receiving Stock Seed
The amount of stock seed needed is calculated on the following factors:
- Stock seed germination
- Stock seed TSW
- Method of sowing
Nov - Dec
November/December
Sowing Stock Seed
- Sowing can be done in either open-field or nursery
- Sowing time may differ depending on the type
Feb - Mar
February/March
Transplant of Seedlings
- Transplant is being done by hand. Depending on the variety, a plant population of 280 000 – 400 000 plants per hectare is being used
Sep - Nov
September/October/November
Flowering, Seed Set & Harvesting
- Bees are used for pollination purposes
- Multiple harvesting (4 - 6 times) is being done by hand once umbel is ready
Dec - Jan
December/January
Drying, Pre-Cleaning & Cleaning
- Drying of umbels is carried out using forced air
- Once ready, pre-cleaning is performed on the farm and seed is delivered to the KKSP facility in bulk bags for final cleaning and quality control
Feb-Mar
February/March
Packing & Export
Packing can be done in either:
- Polypropylene bags with plastic liners
- Alpals
- Octabins