When Do You Plant Onions In Georgia

If you’re a gardener in the Peach State, knowing when do you plant onions in Georgia is the first step to a great harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial, as onions are sensitive to day length and temperature.

This guide will walk you through the optimal planting windows, varieties for Georgia, and simple steps for success. Let’s get your onions in the ground at the perfect time.

Georgia’s climate is split between the cooler north and the warmer south, which affects planting dates. Onions are typically grown as a cool-season crop here.

The general rule is to plant onion sets, transplants, or seeds in the fall for a late spring harvest or in very early spring. Fall planting is often prefered for larger bulbs.

Fall Planting Window

For most of Georgia, the prime fall planting time is from October through mid-November. This allows the plants to establish roots and put on some green growth before winter cold sets in.

North Georgia: Aim for early October to early November.
Middle Georgia: Mid-October to mid-November is your sweet spot.
South Georgia: You can plant from late October through late November, sometimes even into early December.

Spring Planting Window

If you miss the fall window, you can plant in spring. The timing is much tighter, as you need to get them in as soon as the soil is workable.

Plant onion sets or transplants from late January in the south to late February in the north.
Spring-planted onions often produce smaller bulbs but are still a worthwhile crop.

Understanding Onion Types: Day Length is Key

Onions are classified by the ammount of daylight they need to form bulbs. Choosing the right type for Georgia is non-negotiable.

Short-Day Onions: These bulb up when daylength reaches 10-12 hours. They are perfect for Georgia’s southern latitudes. Plant them in fall.
Intermediate-Day (Day-Neutral) Onions: They form bulbs at 12-14 hours of daylight. They are versatile and grow well throughout most of Georgia.
Long-Day Onions: Need 14-16 hours of daylight and are suited for northern states. Avoid these for Georgia gardens.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Short-Day: Georgia Sweet, Texas Grano 1015Y, Red Burgundy, White Bermuda.
Intermediate-Day: Candy, Super Star, Cabernet.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Onions need loose, well-draining soil with plenty of nutrients. Here’s how to prepare:

Location: Pick a spot that gets full sun—at least 6-8 hours daily.
Soil Test: A soil test from your local extension office is the best start. Onions prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Amend Soil: Work in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
Fertilize: Mix in a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) before planting according to package rates.

How to Plant Onions Step-by-Step

You can start onions from seeds, sets (small bulbs), or transplants (seedlings). Transplants and sets are easiest for beginners.

Planting Onion Transplants or Sets

Spacing: Plant each onion 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Depth: For sets, plant just deep enough so the tip is level with the soil surface. For transplants, plant them about 1 inch deep.
Watering: Water them in thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.

Starting from Seed

For fall planting, direct sow seeds in October. For spring, start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your planned transplant date. It’s more work but offers the widest variety choices.

Caring for Your Onion Crop

Consistent care while they’re growing makes all the difference in your final harvest.

Watering and Weeding

Onions have shallow roots and need consistent moisture, especially during bulb formation. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.

Keep the bed weed-free. Weeds compete heavily for nutrients and water. Mulching with straw can help retain moisture and supress weeds.

Fertilizing Schedule

At Planting: Use a balanced fertilizer as mentioned.
Mid-Growth: Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal) every 4-6 weeks until bulbs begin to swell.
Bulb Formation: Stop fertilizing once the bulbs start to push the soil away. To much nitrogen now can hurt storage quality.

Common Pests and Problems

Onions have few serious pests in Georgia, but here are some to watch for:

Thrips: Tiny insects that cause silvery streaks. Control with insecticidal soap.
Onion Maggots: More rare, but can damage roots. Crop rotation helps prevent them.
Diseases: Good spacing for air flow and avoiding overhead watering can prevent most fungal issues like downy mildew.

Harvesting and Curing for Storage

Knowing when and how to harvest ensures your onions store well for months.

Signs of Maturity: Tops begin to yellow and fall over naturally. This usually happens in late spring for fall-planted onions.
Harvest: Gently lift bulbs with a garden fork on a sunny, dry day. Handle them carefully to avoid bruising.
Curing: This is essential. Lay bulbs in a single layer in a warm, dry, airy place out of direct sun (like a garage or covered porch) for 2-3 weeks. The necks will tighten and the outer skins become papery.
Storage: After curing, trim roots and cut tops back to 1 inch. Store in a cool, dry, dark place in mesh bags or a single layer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you plant onions in the fall in Georgia?

Absolutely. Fall planting is highly recommended for most of Georgia, leading to larger, earlier bulbs.

What month is best for planting onions?

For a fall crop, October to November is best. For a spring crop, January to February, depending on your zone.

How long do onions take to grow in Georgia?

From transplant or set, onions typically take about 3-5 months to reach full maturity, depending on the variety and planting time.

Can I grow onions from grocery store scraps?

You can regrow green scallions from the rooted white ends in water, but growing full-sized storage onions this way is very difficult. It’s better to use proper sets, transplants, or seeds for bulb onions.

Why are my onions not forming big bulbs?

This can be due to wrong day-length variety, planting too late, overcrowding, inconsistent watering, or insufficient nitrogen during the growth phase.

With the right timing and these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a succesful onion harvest. Remember, the most important factors are choosing a short-day or intermediate-day variety and getting them planted in that optimal fall window. Your patience will be rewarded with a hearty supply of homegrown onions.