Root Vegetable

When to Plant Onions in Florida

The backbone of the kitchen garden. Choose short-day, intermediate, or long-day varieties based on your latitude.

The Short Answer

Florida grows onions during the cool season using short-day varieties — the same type grown commercially in the Vidalia region just across the Georgia border. Florida's mild winters provide ideal growing conditions for sweet, mild onions.

Florida Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Florida you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Onions Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10

Start Seeds Indoors
10 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
4 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Start Seeds Indoors
10 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
4 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Start Seeds Indoors
10 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
4 wks before frost
Direct Sow
4 wks before frost

Growing Onions in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: plant short-day transplants from October through November. Central Florida: plant November through December. South Florida: plant December through January. Florida's sandy soils grow onions well but need compost for nutrient retention. Short-day onions bulb when days reach 10-12 hours — this occurs naturally during Florida's spring, triggering bulbing at exactly the right time. Cure in a ventilated, warm location.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Short-day only: Granex (Vidalia type — sweet, mild), Texas 1015, Red Creole, Grano. UF/IFAS provides Florida-specific onion variety recommendations. Do not plant long-day or intermediate varieties — they won't bulb properly.

Common Challenges in Florida

Thrips. Pink root disease. Nematodes in sandy soils. The short-day restriction limits variety choice but the available varieties are excellent for fresh eating.

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:

Carrots Lettuce Beets Tomatoes

Keep onions away from:

Beans Peas

The Bottom Line

Onions can be grown successfully in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Onions Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida Onions in Alabama Alabama planting dates Onions in Alaska Alaska planting dates Onions in Arizona Arizona planting dates Onions in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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