First-year or second-year onion sets: which suits you?
First-year onion sets: from seed to onion sets
For first-year onion sets, you start with seed. The small onions harvested in the summer form the starting material for the cultivation of second-year onion sets. The choice of variety and type of onion set is coordinated between the grower and the buyer. This involves considering the possibilities of the field and the grower's wishes, but also what the buyer needs*. Think of yellow, red, or white, and different varieties.
First-year onion sets are often grown under contract. The buyer supplies the seed to the grower and purchases the first-year onion sets after the harvest. PPA can act as the link between grower and buyer in this process. We assist in organizing the cultivation around the contractual agreements, monitor the development of the fields, and handle tasks such as weighing, planning, delivery, and administrative processing. We can also subsequently broker the sale of first-year onion sets on behalf of the buyer to growers who wish to cultivate second-year onion sets.
*The suitability of a plot, variety, and cultivation method depends on the specific farm situation. PPA acts as an intermediary and shares market and practical knowledge, but is not a crop advisor and is not responsible for the cultivation.
Interested in first-year onion sets? See what PPA can do for growers and buyers regarding first-year onion sets.
Second-year onion sets: from small sets to eating onions
With second-year onion sets, you start with the first-year sets grown the previous year. These are planted in early spring and grow into consumption onions in a relatively short time. It is precisely this early production that makes second-year onion sets interesting: they enter the market before the new crop of sown onions is fully available.
The choice of planting material and variety plays an important role in this. Earliness, field, and growing conditions influence the harvesting time and the quality of the final product.* Sales can take place via contract farming or open trade. Second-year onion sets find their destination in retail, export, trade, and processing, among other markets.
PPA acts as an intermediary between growers and buyers and is familiar with both the market for second-year onion sets and the various ways in which they are sold. We can assist with finding suitable sales channels and with the organization of weighing, transport, and administration.
*The final cultivation results and quality depend on factors including variety, plot, weather conditions, and cultivation methods. PPA is not a crop advisor and is not responsible for the cultivation.
Want to know more about the sale of second-year onion sets? View the options for second-year onion sets.
Which onion planting cultivation suits your business?
The choice between first-year and second-year onion sets starts with your own farm. Do you have suitable plots, which operations and mechanization suit your business, and how do you want to organize sales? For first-year onion sets, cooperation with a buyer also plays an important role. The type, color, and variety are tailored to the buyer's needs as well as the grower's capabilities.
For second-year onion sets, factors include the availability and quality of the planting material, planting and harvesting options, and the timing of product availability. Sales opportunities also play a role. Therefore, what works best varies by farm and situation.
| First-year onion sets | Second-year onion sets | |
|---|---|---|
| Start with | Seeds | First-year onion sets |
| Objective | Production of onion sets as starting material | Production of ware onions |
| Cultivation | Sowing in spring | Planting in early spring |
| Harvest | From June/July | From late June to July/August |
| Sales | Primarily as starting material for second-year crops | Including retail, export, trade, and processing |
| Method of sale | Often contract farming | Contract farming and free trade |
| Important to consider | Plot, variety, type of onion set and alignment with the buyer | Planting material, plot, earliness, mechanization and sales |
This overview provides general points of attention. Which cultivation, varieties, and working methods are suitable depends on the specific circumstances at your farm. PPA does not advise on the cultivation itself.
First-year or second-year: looking at the possibilities together
A good choice starts with looking at what suits your company and the demand from the market. PPA is familiar with the different types of onion sets, the growers and buyers who work with them, and the various sales methods. We can brainstorm with you about the possibilities and connect you with a suitable buyer or grower.
Curious about the possibilities for your company? Contact PPA.
