Curing onions after lifting

Curing dries the necks and outer skins so onions keep in storage. Warm air (about 75–90°F) with good airflow works best.

When we suggest this

• Your noteYou noted the stage: lifted and curing.

What would stop us suggesting it

• If it's still open after its window, it shows as overdue for up to 2 weeks, then closes.
• When you mark it Done or Doesn't apply. "Doesn't fit my setup" stops it for that plant this season.

What to do

1. Spread the bulbs in one layer, tops on, somewhere warm, dry, and airy but out of direct sun, like a garage, shed, or covered porch.
2. Leave them until the necks are dry and tight and the outer skins rustle, usually 2–4 weeks.
3. Then trim the tops to about 1–2 inches and store the bulbs in mesh bags or crates somewhere cool and dry.
4. Eat sweet onions first. They keep only a few weeks.

What we can't know

• How warm and humid your curing spot is. Cool, damp air slows curing.
• Which of your onions are good keepers.

Curing times vary with weather: 1–2 weeks (Maryland, Utah State), 2–3 weeks (Iowa State, UC), or 2–4 weeks (Minnesota, UMass). Trimming lengths range from about 1 inch to 2–3 inches of neck.

Where this advice applies

All US regions.

Any US garden where bulb onions have been lifted.

In humid or rainy weather, cure under cover, such as in a garage or shed.

Exceptions

• Onions you plan to eat within a few days.
• Plants you've marked finished.

Reviewed

Sources checked Sept 2026 · awaiting expert review

Gardenplanner research (AI-assisted), pending extension-qualified review

Rule id and version: onion.cure@1