Onions are consumed in almost every household in Zambia. Not only are onions grown for domestic consumption but also for commercial purposes. Onions are one of the few crops in Zambia that will always have a ready market. This simple guide will equip onion growers with recommended practices in the cultivation of onions. Climatic Requirements Onions are a cool season crop. Germination of onions is slow at 6 to 7°C. The optimum germination temperature range is 10 to 35°C, and the maximum temperature is 40°C. Onion is adapted to a growing season with air temperatures at 13 to 24°C. Low temperatures early in the season are desirable with higher temperatures after bulb formation. Onion is tolerant to frost but seedlings are generally only tolerant down to -1°C. Onions are sensitive to photoperiod. Long days are favourable to onion production as this enhances leaf development and which, in turn, is directly related to bulb size. Early varieties require 13 hours for bulb initiation whil
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