Abstract: In the process of the invention, the onion stalks are cut and the upper ends thereof are agitated prior to drying thereof to effect removal of the seed capsules from the umbels.The apparatus of the invention comprises means for cutting the onion stalks and conveying the upper portions thereof with the umbels thereon into one end of a perforated rotating drum. A beater is coaxially and rotatably supported within the drum to agitate the onion stalk portions and thereby separate the seed capsules from the stalks and umbels. The drum and beater are peferably rotated in the same direction, but can be counter-rotated. Said seed capsules fall through the perforations of the drum into appropriate receiving means and the stalks and other debris are discharged from the other end of the drum.