The Best Time to Plant Onions in Kenya (2025 Updated Guide)

Onion farming in Kenya can be highly profitable. Nevertheless, timing is crucial in determining market prices and overall success. While it’s impossible to predict prices with absolute certainty, understanding seasonal trends can help farmers maximize their profits.

So, what is the optimal time to plant onions in Kenya in 2025? This timing is crucial to guarantee good yields. It also helps achieve better market prices. Let’s dive in.

Read Also: The Untold Truth about Bulb Onion Farming in Kenya

Best Months to Plant Onions in Kenya

June & November – The Ideal Planting Seasons

• Onions planted in June will be harvested in September
• Onions planted in November will be harvested in February

These months offer favourable growing conditions and can give a competitive edge in the market.

April & October – Risky Planting Seasons

• Many farmers traditionally plant onions before the long (April) and short (October) rains, assuming this will lead to high prices.
• This strategy has several pitfalls. Market saturation is caused by:
  1) Tanzanian onion imports
  2) Local onion overproduction
  3) Farm gate prices dropping below Ksh. 30 per kg

This oversupply leads to low farm gate prices and losses for farmers.

Why Timing Alone Won’t Guarantee Profits

While planting at the right time increases your chances of selling at better prices, other factors also decide profitability:

1. Quality & Yield Matter More Than Timing

• High-quality onions fetch better prices and sell faster.
• Larger yields reduce production costs per acre, making farming more profitable.

2. Market Conditions Are Unpredictable

• Even if you plant in June or November, your harvest might still coincide with market influxes, affecting prices.
• External factors like weather, imports, and broker influence can change market dynamics.

3. Diversification is Key

• Consider staggered planting instead of putting all your investment into one season.
• This minimizes the risk of losing everything if prices drop unexpectedly.

Read Also: Onions farming in Kenya; How to harvest at least 20 tons per acre

Final Thoughts: When Should You Plant Onions in Kenya?

For the best chances of getting good prices, plant in June or November to harvest when supply is lower.

Furthermore, Avoid April and October, as market flooding from imports and local supply can crash prices.

Remember: Success in onion farming isn’t just about timing—it also depends on quality, yield, and strategic market planning.

Want more farming tips and insights? Ask ONION farming Questions HERE!!

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