Root Vegetable

When to Plant Onions in Virginia

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

The Short Answer

Virginia falls in the intermediate-to-long-day onion zone, with the mountains and Northern Virginia suited to long-day types and the Tidewater able to grow intermediate varieties successfully. The state's moderate climate produces good onions across all regions.

Virginia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountain Virginia 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont/Central Virginia 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Tidewater/Coastal 7b, 8a Mar 20 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 10

Onions Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

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

Piedmont/Central Virginia (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

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

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 20 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 10

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

Growing Onions in Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains and Northern Virginia: plant long-day transplants from March. Piedmont: plant intermediate-day from February-March. Tidewater: plant intermediate-day from November-January for spring harvest. Virginia Tech Extension notes that day-length selection is the critical factor — planting the wrong type guarantees failure regardless of how well you grow them.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Long-day (mountains/northern VA): Copra, Walla Walla. Intermediate (Piedmont/Tidewater): Candy, Super Star. Virginia Cooperative Extension provides regional variety recommendations.

Common Challenges in Virginia

Thrips. Botrytis. Downy mildew during humid summers. Choosing the correct day-length type for your region.

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 Virginia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountain Virginia gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Tidewater/Coastal sees frost end around Mar 20 - Apr 5. 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 Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia 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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