Description

Russet F1 Onion Seeds

Revolutionize your onion farming with Organic Farm’s certified Russet F1 Onion seeds (Allium cepa), a high-yielding, early-maturing hybrid variety renowned for its firm, red-fleshed bulbs and excellent storage qualities. Ideal for Kenya’s diverse climates, this hybrid onion is prized for its slightly pungent flavor, vibrant color, and market appeal, perfect for fresh use in salads, cooking, and export. Our KEPHIS-certified seeds, sourced and packaged in Muranga, Kenya, ensure high germination and robust plant vigor, suited for farmers in regions like Machakos, Nakuru, and Kisumu aiming for superior yields and profitability.

Benefits of Russet F1 Onion Farming

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins C and B6, antioxidants, and sulfur compounds, Russet F1 onions support immunity, heart health, and detoxification, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

• Versatile Uses: Perfect for raw use in salads and salsas due to its vibrant red color and mild pungency; adds depth to cooked dishes like stews and soups; high demand in local markets, supermarkets, and export to Europe and East Africa.

• High Profitability: Yields 18–30 tonnes per acre, with potential income of KSh 360,000–1,200,000 at KSh 20–40/kg, driven by uniform bulbs and extended shelf life.

• Storage and Resilience: Stores for 3–5 months when properly cured; resistant to pink root disease and adaptable to various climates, reducing losses and input costs.

Favorable Climates for Russet F1 Onion in Kenya

Russet F1 thrives in warm to temperate climates with temperatures of 18–33°C, rainfall of 600–1,200mm, and altitudes of 0–2,000m. As a short-day variety, it performs best with 10–12 hours of daylight, making it ideal for planting in hot months like January or during rainy seasons.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Eastern Kenya: Machakos, Makueni, Kitui

• Rift Valley: Nakuru, Baringo

• Western Kenya: Kisumu, Bungoma

• Central Kenya: Murang’a, Kirinyaga

• Coastal Kenya: Kilifi, Taita Taveta

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy or sandy loam soils high in organic matter; avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils.

• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic); test with soil kits and amend with lime if needed.

• Nutrients: Enrich with compost or well-decomposed manure; apply 50kg DAP per hectare at planting.

• Drainage: Essential to prevent bulb rot and fungal diseases.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Russet F1 Onion

Site Preparation

• Select a sunny site (6–8 hours daily) with no Allium crops (e.g., garlic, leeks) for 2–3 seasons to minimize disease risk.

• Clear weeds manually or with a herbicide like CLAMPDOWN (200ml/20l); plow to a fine tilth one month before planting and incorporate 2–3 tons manure per acre.

• Test soil pH; apply 1kg HUMIPOWER per hectare for root development.

Nursery Preparation

• Prepare raised nursery beds (1m wide, 5–10m long) with loose, manure-enriched soil.

• Drench soil with PYRAMID (100g/20l) and OPTIMIZER (20ml/20l) to control soil pests and enhance germination.

Planting Seeds

• Use KEPHIS-certified Russet F1 Onion seeds from Organic Farm (e.g., 25g packet covers ~0.05–0.1 acres at 4–5kg/ha).

• Sow seeds 1cm deep in furrows 10cm apart on nursery beds, cover with thin mulch (e.g., dry grass), and water lightly. Plant during rainy seasons (March–May or October–December) or hot months like January.

• Remove mulch after germination (7–10 days); thin seedlings to 5cm apart after 2 weeks.

Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings with 3–5 true leaves (4–6 weeks after sowing, ~15cm tall) to the main field, spacing 10cm between plants and 30cm between rows (33,000–50,000 plants per acre).

• Dig shallow furrows, apply NPK 17:17:17 (50kg/ha), and water thoroughly post-transplanting to reduce shock.

Mulching

• Apply organic mulch (e.g., dry grass) between rows to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch 10cm from plant bases to avoid rot.

Caring for Russet F1 Onion Plants

• Irrigation: Water every 2–3 days during germination and early growth, then weekly (20 liters/m²), especially during bulb formation; reduce watering as bulbs mature to prevent rot. Use drip irrigation in dry regions like Machakos.

• Fertilization: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers (e.g., CAN, 50kg/ha) early for vegetative growth; switch to potassium-based fertilizers (e.g., NPK 17:17:17) during bulb development. Use foliar feeds like OPTIMIZER (10ml/20l) for micronutrients.

• Weeding: Weed at 3–4 weeks and before bulbing to reduce competition; hand-weed carefully or use mulching to minimize weed growth.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for thrips, onion maggots, and diseases like purple blotch or downy mildew. Use neem oil, KINGCODE ELITE (10ml/20l), or RANSOM 600WP (15g/20l). Russet F1’s pink root resistance reduces fungal risks.

• Harvesting: Harvest at 90–120 days when 75% of tops fall naturally; pull bulbs manually, cure in a well-ventilated area for 2–3 weeks until skins are papery.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 10cm between plants, 30cm between rows.

• Seed Rate: 4–5kg per hectare (1.6–2kg per acre); 25g covers ~0.05–0.1 acres.

• Population: 33,000–50,000 plants per acre.

Expected Production

• Per Acre: 18–30 tonnes, with optimal management reaching up to 30 tonnes/ha.

• Income: At KSh 20–40/kg, one acre can yield KSh 360,000–1,200,000 per season.

• Harvest Timeline: Matures in 90–120 days post-transplanting; harvestable from October–January for optimal market prices.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Russet F1 Onion Seeds?

Organic Farm is a trusted leader in sustainable agriculture in Kenya, empowering farmers with quality inputs. Our Russet F1 Onion seeds offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: High-germination seeds (85–90%) selected for firm, red Granex-shaped bulbs, early maturity, and pink root resistance, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Superior Traits: Slightly pungent, uniform bulbs with 3–5 months storage, ideal for fresh and export markets.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, pest control, and market linkages for local and export markets (Europe, East Africa).

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic seed production supports soil health and biodiversity, aligned with good agricultural practices (GAP).

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya.

Join Kenya’s thriving onion industry, fueled by demand for Russet F1’s vibrant color, flavor, and storage qualities, with Organic Farm’s certified seeds. Order now to grow a high-yielding, market-preferred crop that delivers substantial profits in just months!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com