How to Store Onions So They Last All Winter
The best way to store homegrown onions: temperature, humidity, mesh bags and braids, which onions store longest, and keeping cut onions.
Store cured onions in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated place. The ideal for long storage is 0–4 °C (32–40 °F) with 65–70% humidity; a cool garage, cellar or pantry at 4–10 °C also works for months. Pungent storage onions keep 6–9 months; sweet onions only a few weeks.
Tips
- Store only fully cured onions with dry, tight necks.
- Use mesh bags, baskets, slatted crates or braids; never plastic bags.
- Keep away from potatoes, which release moisture and gases that make onions sprout.
- Check monthly and remove soft or sprouting bulbs.
- Use thick-necked and bolted onions first.
Storage Life
| Type | Typical storage |
|---|---|
| Pungent yellow storage onions (e.g. 'Copra', 'Stuttgarter') | 6–9 months |
| Red onions | 3–6 months |
| Sweet onions (Vidalia, Walla Walla) | 2–6 weeks (longer refrigerated) |
| Cut onion in the fridge | 7–10 days |
Freezing
Chopped onions can be frozen raw for cooking, for up to about 6 months.
More Onion Guides
- How to Grow Onions: The Complete Guide
- Why onions stay small
- Onion fertilizer
- Onion pests and diseases
Frequently Asked Questions
Should onions be refrigerated?
Whole storage onions are better in a cool, dry place; sweet onions and cut onions can go in the fridge.
Why do my onions rot in storage?
Usually because they were not cured properly or the storage place is too humid.
TarlaTapan guides focus on practical, field-tested growing advice. Corrections and suggestions are welcome at info@tarlatapan.tr.