When to Plant Onions in Mississippi
The backbone of the kitchen garden. Choose short-day, intermediate, or long-day varieties based on your latitude.
The Short Answer
Mississippi Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Mississippi you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Mississippi | 7b, 8a | Mar 15 - Apr 1 | Nov 1 - Nov 15 |
| Central Mississippi | 8a, 8b | Mar 1 - Mar 15 | Nov 10 - Nov 25 |
| Southern Mississippi | 8b, 9a | Feb 15 - Mar 5 | Nov 15 - Dec 5 |
Onions Planting Schedule for Mississippi
Northern Mississippi (Zones 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15
Central Mississippi (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25
Southern Mississippi (Zones 8b, 9a)
Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 5 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5
Growing Onions in Mississippi
Onions in Mississippi'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 Mississippi
Rich delta soils in west. Heavy clay in many areas. Sandy in pine belt. Acidic throughout. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for onions since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Mississippi Climate & Growing Season
Long growing season. Hot, humid summers. Mild winters. Two-season gardening possible. Onions can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Mississippi's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Mississippi: Northern Mississippi (7b, 8a) has a last frost around Mar 15 - Apr 1, while Southern Mississippi (8b, 9a) sees frost end around Feb 15 - Mar 5. 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