2026 Planting Guide
Fall cropWhen to Plant Onions in Texas
Complete guide to growing onions in Texas with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from USDA and state extension services.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the onions growing season in Texas. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
50°F (10°C) minimum
Growing Period
90-120 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
March 15
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
November 15
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing onions in Texas.
January
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
February - March
Grow & MonitorIrrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.
April - June
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
July - September
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
October - December
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
Best Onions Varieties for Texas
These varieties have proven performance in Texas's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas 1015Y | Texas climate |
| 2 | Yellow Granex | Texas climate |
| 3 | Red Creole | Texas climate |
| 4 | White Bermuda | Texas climate |
Growing Tips for Texas
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Texas farmers.
South TX: plant October transplants for spring harvest
Short-day varieties required for Texas latitude
Thrips are #1 pest — monitor and spray at threshold
Pest & Disease Watch
Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
Thrips
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Onion maggot
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Purple blotch
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Downy mildew
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Stemphylium blight
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Companion Planting
These plants grow well alongside onions, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.
Frost Dates
Last Spring Frost
March 15
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
November 15
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant onions in Texas?
The optimal planting window for onions in Texas is October 15 to January 31. Soil temperature should reach at least 50°F (10°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 90-120 days.
What varieties of onions grow best in Texas?
The best varieties for Texas include Texas 1015Y, Yellow Granex, Red Creole, White Bermuda. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest onions in Texas?
The harvest window for onions in Texas is typically April 15 to June 30. The crop takes 90-120 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Texas Cooperative Extension Service, and NOAA frost date records. Last updated: March 2026.
Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.