When to Plant Onion in Lee County, TX
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.
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 275 days.
At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Lee County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Onion may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Onion, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Onion root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.1-8.2
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 — Lee County, TX
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 14 | Feb 14 – Mar 7 |
| Fall Sowing | September 21 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Jul 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
Growing Season
275 days
Growing Tips for Lee 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 Lee County, TX?
Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, TX?
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lee County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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