If you’re a gardener in the Lone Star State, timing is everything for a good harvest. Knowing exactly when do you plant onions in Texas is the first step to growing big, flavorful bulbs. The state’s diverse climate means your planting window depends heavily on whether you’re in North, Central, or South Texas. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule and methods to ensure your onions thrive.
Onions are a cool-season crop, which means they need to be planted in the fall or very early spring to develop before the intense summer heat arrives. Planting at the right time allows them to establish strong roots and leaves, which then fuel bulb formation as days lengthen. Getting this timing wrong is the most common reason for disappointing results.
When Do You Plant Onions In Texas
The universal rule for Texas is to plant onion sets, transplants, or seeds in the fall or winter. The goal is to get them in the ground so they can grow during cool weather and mature in late spring. For most of Texas, the prime planting period is from October through January.
Here’s a more detailed regional breakdown:
* North Texas: Plant from mid-October to early December. The first hard freezes come earlier here, so getting them established before consistent freezing is key.
* Central Texas: This region has a longer, more flexible window. You can plant from October through mid-January. The mild winters are ideal for root development.
* South Texas & the Valley: Planting happens from October through February, and sometimes even into early March. The warm winters allow for a very extended season.
A good visual cue is to plant around the time of your first fall frost date. If you’re using seeds instead of sets or transplants, you’ll need to start them about 6-8 weeks earlier indoors to have seedlings ready for these planting dates.
Understanding Onion Types: Day Length is Crucial
Not all onions are created equal, and choosing the wrong type for Texas is a major mistake. Onions are categorized by the amount of daylight they need to form bulbs:
* Short-Day Onions: These form bulbs when day length reaches 10-12 hours. They are perfect for Texas, especially Central and South Texas. Plant them in the fall.
* Intermediate-Day (Day-Neutral) Onions: These need 12-14 hours of daylight. They work well in Central and North Texas and offer more variety options.
* Long-Day Onions: Require 14-16 hours of daylight to bulb. These are not suitable for Texas as they are bred for northern states with long summer days.
Popular Texas Varieties:
* Short-Day: Texas Legend 1015Y (the famous “Texas Super Sweet”), Grano, Granex (Vidalia type), Red Burgundy.
* Intermediate-Day: Candy, Super Star (white), Red Candy Apple.
Always check the seed packet or plant tag to confirm the onion type. Sticking with short-day varieties is your safest bet for a succesful harvest.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Getting your onions started right sets the stage for the whole season. Follow these steps for the best results.
1. Choose Your Planting Method
You have three options, listed from easiest to most challenging:
1. Sets (Small Bulbs): Easiest for beginners. They establish quickly but can be more prone to bolting (flowering prematurely).
2. Transplants (Seedlings): Sold in bunches, these are the most common and reliable method for Texas gardeners. They give you a head start on growth.
3. Seeds: Most economical and offer the widest variety, but require starting indoors 6-8 weeks before your outdoor planting date.
2. Prepare Your Soil
Onions need loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. They perform poorly in heavy, compacted clay.
* Choose a spot that gets full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily).
* Work the soil to a depth of about 8-10 inches, breaking up any clumps.
* Mix in 2-3 inches of finished compost or well-rotted manure.
* Onions prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0). A soil test can help you adjust if needed.
3. Planting Your Onions
* Spacing: Plant transplants or sets about 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart. If planting in rows, space the rows 12-18 inches apart. For seeds, sow thinly and thin seedlings later to 4 inches apart.
* Depth: Just cover the small bulb or roots with soil, leaving the very top of the set or the green shoot of the transplant exposed.
* Water them in thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Essential Care for Texas Onions
Consistent care during the growing season is what turns small plants into large, solid bulbs.
Watering: Onions have shallow roots and need consistent moisture. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, from rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering as the bulbs mature and the tops begin to yellow and fall over, which helps prevent rot.
Fertilizing: Feed your onions to support their heavy feeding needs. Use a balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in nitrogen (like 10-10-10 or 21-0-0) at planting. Side-dress with a nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks until the bulbs begin to swell. Stop fertilizing once the bulbs have formed.
Weeding: Keep the area around your onions completely weed-free. Weeds compete fiercely for nutrients and water. Hoe or hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid damaging the onion’s shallow root system. A layer of straw or other organic mulch can really help supress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Pest and Disease Watch
Common issues in Texas include:
* Thrips: Tiny insects that cause silvery streaks on leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
* Onion Maggots: More common in cooler, wet springs. Crop rotation is the best prevention.
* Bolting: When an onion sends up a flower stalk. This is often caused by temperature fluctuations or planting the wrong type. Remove the stalk and use that onion first, as it won’t store well.
* Rot: Caused by overly wet soil. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering, especially near harvest.
Harvesting and Curing Your Bounty
Harvest timing is just as important as planting timing. Here’s how to know when your onions are ready:
* Signs of Maturity: The onion tops (leaves) will turn yellow and start to flop over. This usually happens in late April through June in Texas, depending on your planting date.
* The Harvest: Once about half the tops have fallen over, gently push over the remaining tops. Wait another 5-10 days, then carefully lift the bulbs from the soil with a garden fork on a dry, sunny day.
Curing for Storage:
Proper curing is essential for long-term storage.
1. Lay the harvested onions in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sun (like a garage or covered porch).
2. Let them cure for 2-4 weeks until the necks are completely tight and dry and the outer skins are papery.
3. Once cured, trim the roots and cut the dried tops back to about 1-2 inches.
4. Store in a cool, dry, dark place in mesh bags or a single layer. Well-cured short-day onions can store for several months.
Common Texas Onion Growing Problems
Even with perfect timing, things can go wrong. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
* Small Bulbs: Usually caused by planting too late, using the wrong day-length type, overcrowding, or insufficient nitrogen during growth.
* Bolting (Flowering): Caused by temperature swings (warm then cold then warm) or planting too early in fall with large transplants. Choose bolt-resistant varieties.
* Bulbs Not Forming: Almost always due to using a long-day variety in Texas. Re-check your onion type.
* Soft Bulbs or Rot: Overwatering, poor drainage, or harvesting during wet conditions. Ensure your bed drains well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best month to plant onions in Texas?
A: For most of Texas, November is an ideal month. In North Texas, aim for early November. In Central Texas, any time in November works. In South Texas, you can plant into December and January.
Q: Can I plant onions in the spring in Texas?
A: You can, but only if you plant very early (January-February) and use transplants, not seeds. Fall planting is generally superior as it gives the plants more time to grow before bulbing season.
Q: What is the famous 1015 onion?
A: The ‘Texas 1015Y’ is a legendary sweet, short-day onion variety named for its recommended planting date: October 15th. It’s a benchmark for Texas gardeners.
Q: How long do onions take to grow?
A: From transplant, onions typically take 90-120 days to reach full maturity. If growing from seed, add 6-8 weeks for seedling growth before transplanting.
Q: Can I grow onions in containers?
A: Absolutely. Use a container at least 10-12 inches deep with good drainage holes. Plant onions 3-4 inches apart in a quality potting mix and be vigilant about watering, as containers dry out faster.
By following this Texas-specific timing and care guide, you’ll give your onion crop the best possible start and finish. Remember, the secret is in the calendar: get them in the ground during the cool season, choose the right type, and provide steady care. With a little planning, you’ll be harvesting baskets of homegrown onions to enjoy and share.