When To Plant Onions In Virginia

Getting your onion planting time right in Virginia is the single biggest factor for a succesful harvest. If you want big, flavorful bulbs, knowing exactly when to plant onions in Virginia is your first step.

This guide breaks down the best planting times for your specific region and gives you the simple steps to follow. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right type of onion to getting them in the ground at the perfect moment.

Virginia’s long growing season and varied climate zones mean timing is everything. The state is split into three main gardening regions: Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountain. Your location changes your calendar by several weeks.

Onions are a cool-season crop. They need to be planted early enough to grow lots of green tops before the long, warm days of summer trigger bulb formation. Planting to late means you’ll only get small bulbs.

Understanding Onion Types: Day Length is Key

Before we talk dates, you need to pick the right onion type. Onions are categorized by the ammount of daylight they need to form bulbs:

Short-Day Onions: Bulb when daylight lasts 10-12 hours. Best for Southern states, but can work in coastal Virginia with very early spring planting.
Long-Day Onions: Bulb when daylight lasts 14-16 hours. This is the best choice for most of Virginia, especially the Piedmont and Mountain regions.
Day-Neutral (Intermediate-Day) Onions: Bulb with 12-14 hours of daylight. A fantastic, flexible option for all parts of Virginia and a great safe bet.

For most Virginia gardeners, starting with long-day or day-neutral varieties from a local garden center will give you the best results.

Virginia Planting Dates by Region

You can plant onions using seeds, sets (small bulbs), or transplants (seedlings). Transplants are the most popular method and give you a head start. Here are the optimal windows:

Coastal Plain & Tidewater (Zones 7b-8a)

Fall Planting: Plant short-day or intermediate-day transplants in October to November. They’ll establish roots over winter and start growing early spring for a late spring harvest.
Spring Planting: Plant long-day or intermediate-day transplants from mid-January to early March. You can start seeds indoors in late fall for this.

Piedmont Region (Zones 7a-7b)

Spring Planting is Primary: Plant long-day or day-neutral transplants from late March to mid-April. The soil should be workable, not frozen or soggy.
You can start seeds indoors around January 15th to have ready for this period.

Mountain & Valley Regions (Zones 6a-6b)

Spring Planting: Wait until the danger of a hard freeze passes. Plant long-day transplants from early to late April. Soil temperature should be at least 50°F.
Starting seeds indoors in early February is recomended for this area.

How to Plant Your Onions Step-by-Step

Once you’ve got your timing down, proper planting ensures strong growth.

Choose Your Start: Buy firm, healthy transplants or sets from a reputable source. If using seeds, start them 8-10 weeks before your outdoor planting date.
Prepare the Soil: Onions need loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Work in several inches of compost. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal.
Plant Correctly: Space transplants or sets 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Plant them just deep enough so the base is covered, but the green stem is above soil. If the stem is to deep, it can restrict bulbing.
Water and Feed: Water immediatly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early in the growth cycle to encourage top growth.
Weed Carefully: Onions have shallow roots. Hand-pull weeds regularly so they don’t compete for nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors with onions. Here’s what to watch for:

Planting the Wrong Type: Using short-day onions in the mountains will cause them to bulb too early and stay small.
Planting Too Deep: This is a very common mistake that hurts bulb development.
Crowding: Giving onions enough space is non-negotiable for big bulbs.
Letting Soil Dry Out: Inconsistent watering leads to split or puny bulbs.
Ignoring Soil Fertility: Onions are heavy feeders. Poor soil equals poor harvest.

Seasonal Care for a Great Harvest

Your work after planting is simple but important.

Spring: Focus on consistent watering and weeding. Apply a side-dressing of fertilizer about 3 weeks after planting to boost leaf growth.

Early Summer: As days lengthen, bulbs begin to form. Stop fertilizing now. You can gently move soil away from the top of the bulbs to help them expand.

Harvest Time: When the onion tops turn yellow and fall over, stop watering. After about a week, carefully lift the bulbs on a sunny day. Let them cure (dry) in a warm, airy, shaded spot for two to three weeks before storing.

FAQ: Your Virginia Onion Questions Answered

Can I plant onions in the fall in Virginia?

Yes, but primarily in the Coastal Plain region. Fall planting (Oct-Nov) with the right varieties can lead to an earlier summer harvest.

What are the best onion varieties for Virginia?

For long-day: ‘Yellow Sweet Spanish’, ‘Copra’, ‘Redwing’. For day-neutral: ‘Candy’, ‘Super Star’. For a fall planting in the coast: ‘Texas Grano’ or ‘Granex’ (short-day).

Is it better to use sets, seeds, or transplants?

Transplants are often best for Virginia springs—they’re more reliable than sets and faster than seeds. Sets can sometimes bolt (flower) to easily, which ruins the bulb.

How long do onions take to grow?

From transplant, onions typically take 90-110 days to reach full maturity. From seed, it can take 130-150 days total.

Can I grow onions in containers?

Absolutely. Choose a large, deep pot and a day-neutral variety. Ensure exellent drainage and water frequently, as containers dry out fast.

Following these timing and care tips will set you up for a succesful onion season. The key is matching your onion type to your Virginia region and getting them in the ground during that crucial spring window. With a little planning, you’ll be harvesting homegrown onions that store well and taste amazing.