When to Plant Onion in Orangeburg County, SC
Onions are a fundamental kitchen staple available in yellow, white, and red varieties. Choose long-day, short-day, or intermediate types based on your latitude.
Orangeburg County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 441 feet, Orangeburg County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Onion may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Onion will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Orangeburg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Onion Planting Timeline — Orangeburg County, SC
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Direct Sow | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
243 days
Growing Tips for Orangeburg County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Match day-length type to your latitude. Stop watering when tops begin to fall over and cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks before storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Onion in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Onion in Orangeburg County, SC?
Orangeburg County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orangeburg County, SC?
Orangeburg County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Orangeburg County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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