Kelvin Wairimu
The only reason you fear onion farming is the high cost of hybrid seeds.
There are affordable open-pollinated varieties that offer excellent yields and good disease resistance.
This guide focuses on proven, low-cost onion varieties that yield well in just 90 days.
Top Affordable High-Yielding Varieties
1. Red Pinoy
Red Pinoy produces medium to large-sized bulbs with deep red outer scales and an attractive purple-red colour.
The bulbs are globe-shaped with firm texture and good weight.
The individual bulb weight ranges from 80 to 150 grams. The flesh is white to light pink with good pungency levels preferred by Kenyan consumers.
It is an early maturity variety with a seed rate of 1.2kg per acre on a spacing of 15cm by 8cm. A kilogram costs between Ksh. 21,000-25,000, half the price of hybrid onion varieties.
Under good management, it can mature in 90 days after transplanting. It has a yield potential of 25-30 tons per acre.
Red Pinoy stands as one of the most profitable affordable varieties. The bulbs develop a deep red, attractive colour that competes with hybrid varieties.
This variety performs well in both rain-fed and irrigated conditions across Kenya.
Red Pinoy has good resistance to Downy Mildew and good tolerance to Purple Blotch with excellent shelf life of 6 months at room temperature.
Read Also: The Best Fertilizer for Onions in Kenya:A 2025 Complete Guide
2. Red Creole
It is a standard open-pollinated red onion variety with good market demand and early maturity of 70-75 days from transplanting, with a seed rate of 1.5kg per acre on a spacing of 15cm by 8cm.
Under good management, it can yield 10-16 tons per acre. It is a low-cost variety costing between Ksh. 15,000-18,000.
Red Creole produces small to medium-sized bulbs with a thick, flattened globe shape.
The outer scales are light red to copper-red with white flesh inside.
The individual bulb weight ranges from 60 to 120 grams. The bulbs are dense and firm with a spicy, pungent flavour that intensifies during storage. The neck dries down well for proper curing.
Red Creole thrives in hot, low-altitude areas with minimal rainfall. This variety produces small to medium-sized bulbs with a thick, flat shape and a light-red colour.
3. Bombay Red
Bombay Red produces medium to large-sized bulbs with deep purple-red outer scales and a globe-shaped form.
The bulbs are well-filled and firm with individual weights ranging from 100-180 grams.
The flesh is white with pink tinges and moderate pungency. The neck cures well, making bulbs suitable for long-distance transport and export markets.
Under good management, it can mature in 120-150 days after transplanting with a yield potential of 10-16 tons. It is cheap, and a kilogram costs Ksh. 6,000-7,000.
Bombay Red adapts to diverse agro-climatic conditions across Kenya. The deep purple-red bulbs cure well and transport easily. This variety shows excellent resistance to common pests and diseases.
4. Texas Early Grano
Texas Early Grano produces large-sized bulbs with straw-colored to light brown outer scales and a flattened globe shape.
The individual bulb weight ranges from 150 to 250 grams, making them ideal for retail markets. Under good management, it can mature in 120 days with a yield potential of 15-20 tons.
The flesh is white, crisp, and sweet with very mild pungency. The bulbs have thick scales that provide good protection during handling and transport.
Texas Grano produces large, sweet onions with mild flavour. The variety targets local markets where consumers prefer sweet, large bulbs. The straw-colored skin and white flesh appeal to specific market segments.
Comparative Advantage Analysis
Red Pinoy Benefits
- Early maturity reduces production risks.
- High market prices due to attractive colour.
- Excellent disease resistance reduces input costs.
- Strong performance in both rain-fed and irrigated systems.
Red Creole Advantages
- Longest storage life maximises marketing flexibility.
- Heat tolerance suits low-altitude areas.
- Small to medium size preferred for household consumption.
- Strong disease resistance reduces spraying costs.
Conclusion
Red Pinoy, Bombay Red, Red Creole, and Texas Grano are the cheapest open-pollinated varieties. They have the highest yields of 10-30 tons per acre. These varieties produce large to medium-sized bulbs. The bulbs mature in 70-150 days and have good market demand.
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