ABSTRACT Onion is the third most cultivated vegetable in Brazil, and organic fertilization can increase its productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of doses of cattle manure and forms of applications on the growth, yield and bulb quality of onion cv. IPA-11 Vale Ouro. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with four replicates, in a 6 × 2 factorial scheme, corresponding to six doses of cattle manure (0; 10; 20; 30; 40 and 50 t ha-1) and two forms of application (incorporated and topdressing). The onion growth increased with cattle manure doses. Using cattle manure fertilization is feasible for the production of onion, however high doses, regardless of the form of application are not recommended. Incorporated manure increases the leaf concentrations of primary macronutrients in onion and promotes 15 and 20% increment in total and marketable yield, respectively. The cattle manure incorporated into the soil increased the production of bulbs within the class of greater acceptance by consumers.