When to Plant Onions in Arkansas
The backbone of the kitchen garden. Choose short-day, intermediate, or long-day varieties based on your latitude.
The Short Answer
Arkansas Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Arkansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Arkansas | 6b, 7a | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Central Arkansas | 7a, 7b | Mar 25 - Apr 10 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
| Southern Arkansas | 7b, 8a | Mar 15 - Apr 1 | Nov 1 - Nov 15 |
Onions Planting Schedule for Arkansas
Northern Arkansas (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Arkansas (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Southern Arkansas (Zones 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15
Growing Onions in Arkansas
Onions in Arkansas's Climate
You straddle the day-length divide. Southern areas need short-day varieties (plant in fall for spring harvest), northern areas can use intermediate-day types. The single most important decision for onion success in your zone is choosing the right day-length type — the wrong one produces scallions instead of bulbs regardless of how well you grow them.
Soil Considerations for Arkansas
Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for onions since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Arkansas Climate & Growing Season
Hot, humid summers. Moderate winters. Good growing conditions for most vegetables. Onions can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Arkansas's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Arkansas: Northern Arkansas (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas (7b, 8a) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. This difference matters for onions — but onions handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.
Growing Tips
Day length triggers bulbing. Northern gardeners need long-day varieties. Southern gardeners need short-day varieties.
Companion Planting
Plant onions alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep onions away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026