When to Plant Onions in Tennessee
The backbone of the kitchen garden. Choose short-day, intermediate, or long-day varieties based on your latitude.
The Short Answer
Tennessee Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Tennessee you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee | 6a, 6b, 7a | Apr 5 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Middle Tennessee | 6b, 7a | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| West Tennessee | 7a, 7b | Mar 25 - Apr 10 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Onions Planting Schedule for Tennessee
East Tennessee (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Middle Tennessee (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
West Tennessee (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Onions in Tennessee
Onions in Tennessee'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 Tennessee
Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for onions since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Tennessee Climate & Growing Season
Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety of crops. Onions can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Tennessee's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Tennessee: East Tennessee (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Mar 25 - Apr 10. 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