When To Plant Onions In East Texas

If you’re wondering when to plant onions in east texas, timing is everything for a good crop. Getting your bulbs in the ground at the right moment is the single biggest factor for success, and this guide will give you the clear schedule you need.

East Texas has a unique climate that’s perfect for onions, but the window for planting is specific. Planting too early or too late can lead to small bulbs or plants that flower too soon. Let’s break down the best dates and methods to ensure you get a hearty harvest from your garden.

The prime planting period for onions in East Texas is during the fall. For the best results, you should get your onion sets or transplants into the ground between mid-October and mid-December.

This fall schedule allows the onions to establish strong root systems during the cooler winter months. When spring arrives, they’re ready to put all their energy into bulbing up before the summer heat arrives. Planting in January is often to late for most varieties, as they won’t have enough time to grow before bulbing is triggered by longer days.

Understanding Onion Types: Short-Day vs. Long-Day

Choosing the right type of onion is just as crucial as the planting date. Onions are categorized by their daylight needs, and East Texas gardeners need to stick with short-day varieties.

Short-Day Onions: These form bulbs when daylight lasts 10-12 hours. They are ideal for Southern states like Texas. Popular varieties include Texas Legend, Texas Early White, and Southern Belle Red.
Long-Day Onions: These need 14-16 hours of daylight to bulb and are suited for Northern states. Planting them in Texas usually results in very small bulbs.
Intermediate-Day Onions: A middle ground, needing 12-14 hours of light. Some, like Candy, can perform well in East Texas with careful timing.

Always check the seed packet or plant tag to confirm you’re getting a short-day type. Using the wrong kind is a common mistake that leads to disapointment.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Onions thrive in loose, fertile, and well-draining soil. They are heavy feeders, so good bed preparation is non-negotiable for big bulbs.

Choose a Sunny Spot: Select a location that gets full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Loosen the Soil: Work the soil to a depth of about 8-10 inches. Break up any large clumps.
Amend the Soil: Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Onions prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Add Fertilizer: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) into the soil before planting according to package directions.

Planting Onion Sets vs. Transplants

You can start onions from seed, but most gardeners use sets (small dormant bulbs) or transplants (seedling onions). Transplants are often prefered in East Texas for fall planting, as they establish quickly.

Onion Sets: Easy to plant. Look for sets no larger than a dime, as larger ones may bolt (flower) too early.
Onion Transplants: These look like tiny green onions. They give you a wider variety choice and are very reliable.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Spacing: Plant onions about 4 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. This gives them room to expand.
Depth: Plant sets or transplants just deep enough so the base is covered, with the very tip of the set or the white part of the transplant sitting at soil level. Don’t bury them to deep.
Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulching: Apply a light layer of straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. This also protects the young plants from temperature swings.

Caring for Your Onion Crop

Consistent care through the winter and spring is key to a large harvest.

Watering and Feeding

Onions have shallow roots and need consistent moisture. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Reduce watering as the bulbs mature and the tops begin to yellow and fall over.

Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a 21-0-0 formula) every 4-6 weeks until the bulbs begin to form. Stop fertilizing once the bulbs start to swell.

Weeding and Pest Control

Keep the bed weed-free, as onions don’t compete well. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow onion roots. Common pests in East Texas include thrips. You can control them with a strong spray of water or an insecticidal soap if infestations are severe.

Harvesting and Curing for Storage

Your onions are ready to harvest when the tops have turned yellow and fallen over. This typically happens in late spring or early summer, around May or June.

Harvest: On a dry day, gently lift the bulbs from the soil with a garden fork.
Curing: Lay them in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sun for about 2-3 weeks. This allows the outer skins to dry and the necks to tighten.
Storage: Once cured, trim the roots and cut the tops down to about 1 inch. Store in a cool, dry, dark place in mesh bags or baskets. Properly cured short-day onions can last several months.

Common Problems and Solutions

Bolting: If an onion sends up a flower stalk, it’s done growing. Harvest and use it immediately, as it won’t store well. Bolting is caused by stress from temperature swings or planting too large of a set.
Small Bulbs: Usually caused by overcrowding, insufficient sunlight, using the wrong onion type, or a lack of nutrients during the growing season.
Rotting in Ground: Often a sign of poorly draining soil. Always plant in raised beds or amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve drainage.

FAQ

Can I plant onions in the spring in East Texas?
You can, but only if you plant very early (January) with short-day varieties. Fall planting is vastly superior for yield and bulb size, as it gives the plants a much longer growing period.

What are the best onion varieties for East Texas?
Stick with proven short-day varieties. Excellent choices include Texas Legend 1015Y (a sweet, famous Texas onion), Texas Early White, Red Creole, and Southern Belle. Granex is another good sweet type.

How long do onions take to grow?
From a fall planting, onions take roughly 6-8 months to reach full maturity for harvest. They grow slowly through the winter and then bulb up rapidly in the spring.

Can I grow onions in containers?
Yes, you can. Choose a container at least 10 inches deep and wide. Ensure it has excellent drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix. The same planting and care instructions apply, though container plants may need water more frequently.

Why are my onion tops wilting?
Wilting can be from under-watering, over-watering (which causes root rot), or pest damage like onion maggots. Check the soil moisture and inspect the base of the plants for clues to identify the real issue.