How Do You Know When To Pick Red Onions

You know when to pick red onions by checking their tops, their size, and their firmness.

The moment those green tops start to flop over and yellow, your red onions are signaling they’re ready to come out of the ground.

If you’ve been wondering how do you know when to pick red onions, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s a pretty straightforward process once you know what to look for.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the exact signs that tell you when to pick red onions, plus tips for curing and storing them so they last for months.

Let’s dig in.
 

How Do You Know When to Pick Red Onions: The Key Signs

Figuring out how to know when to pick red onions isn’t as tricky as it might seem, and there are a few foolproof indicators that will guide you.

The best time to pick red onions is usually mid to late summer, depending on when you planted them in the spring.

You’ll know when to pick red onions by watching the foliage, feeling the bulb, and counting the days since planting.

Here are the most reliable ways to tell when to pick red onions from your garden.
 

1. The Tops Fall Over Naturally

The single most reliable sign for when to pick red onions is when the green tops begin to bend over at the neck.

You don’t want to force the tops down yourself, because that can signal you’re picking red onions too early.

When about half to two-thirds of the tops have flopped over naturally, that’s your cue that it’s time to pick red onions.

This usually happens about 100 to 120 days after planting, depending on your variety and climate.

Once you see this natural flop, you have a window of about one to two weeks to harvest.
 

2. The Bulb Size Reaches Full Maturity

Another clear answer to how do you know when to pick red onions is by checking the size of the bulb peeking out of the soil.

Mature red onions should feel solid and have a diameter of at least two to three inches.

If the bulb still looks narrow or feels soft and spongy, it’s not yet time to pick red onions.

You can gently brush away a bit of soil around the top of the bulb to check its size without pulling the whole plant.

Just be careful not to damage the bulb while you’re peeking, because any cuts can invite rot during storage.
 

3. The Neck Softens and Dries

You can tell when to pick red onions by feeling the neck of the plant, the area just above the bulb.

When red onions are fully mature, that neck becomes soft, thin, and starts to dry out.

If the neck still feels thick and rigid, the onion is still actively growing, so it’s not the right time to pick red onions.

A dried, flexible neck means the onion has stopped taking in nutrients from the leaves.

This is a strong sign that you can pick red onions and start the curing process.
 

4. The Skin Turns Papery and Colorful

The outer skin of the red onion is another great clue for when to pick red onions.

As the bulb matures, the skin will turn from a pale cream color to a deep, rich purple-red, and it’ll feel dry and papery.

If you see that vibrant red color starting to show through the soil, it’s often a good time to pick red onions.

But don’t rely on color alone, because some varieties stay lighter even when mature.

Combine this skin check with the floppy tops and soft neck, and you’ll have a solid answer to how do you know when to pick red onions.
 

5. Count the Days From Planting

If you’ve planted red onions from sets or transplants, track the days on your calendar to help predict when to pick red onions.

Most red onion varieties mature in about 100 to 120 days, though some long-day types might need a bit longer.

When you reach that 100-day mark, start checking your onions daily for the other signs we’ve mentioned.

This time-based approach is a great backup so you never miss the window on when to pick red onions.

Just remember that weather and soil conditions can speed up or slow down maturity, so always trust the plant’s signals first.
 

Best Practices for Picking Red Onions at the Right Moment

Once you’ve figured out how to know when to pick red onions, you need to harvest them carefully.

Here’s how to make sure you pick red onions without bruising them or shortening their shelf life.
 

1. Choose a Dry Day to Harvest

The best time to pick red onions is on a dry, sunny morning after the dew has evaporated.

Digging them up when the soil is wet can lead to muddy bulbs that hold moisture and rot easily.

If rain is in the forecast, wait a few days before you pick red onions.

Harvesting in dry conditions makes the curing process much faster and more successful.
 

2. Use a Garden Fork, Not a Tug

Don’t just yank the tops when you decide to pick red onions.

Instead, gently loosen the soil around each bulb with a garden fork.

This helps you avoid tearing the roots or slicing into the bulb with your tool.

Once the soil is loose, you can lift the onion by its tops, but be gentle so you don’t snap the neck.

If you’re picking a lot of red onions, work row by row and place them on the soil surface to dry briefly.
 

3. Cure the Onions After Picking

After you pick red onions, curing is non-negotiable for long-term storage.

Leave the tops attached and spread your onions in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot.

A shaded porch, garage, or greenhouse works well for this step.

Let them cure for two to three weeks until the necks are completely dry and the skin rustles like paper.

Only then should you trim the roots and cut the tops down to about an inch.
 

So, How Do You Know When to Pick Red Onions?

You know when to pick red onions by watching for the tops to flop, the bulbs to reach full size, and the necks to soften.

Those three signs, combined with a dry, papery skin, will tell you the exact moment to pick red onions from your garden.

If you wait too long past that point, the onions can bolt or start to rot in the ground, so timing really matters.

Once you pick red onions at that sweet spot, they’ll store beautifully for months with proper curing.

Now that you know how do you know when to pick red onions, you can head outside with confidence and harvest a fantastic crop.

Enjoy that flavorful homegrown payoff, and get ready to add some vibrant crunch to your favorite dishes.