When to Plant Onion in Randolph County, WV
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.
Randolph County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 3,202 feet, Randolph County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Onion during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Onion root diseases.
Randolph County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 — Randolph County, WV
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
157 days
Growing Tips for Randolph 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 Randolph County, WV?
Randolph County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Randolph County, WV?
Randolph County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Randolph County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.