When to Plant Onion in Yolo County, CA
May in Yolo County, California — your action list
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Pick onion
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: onion
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.
Yolo County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 163 feet, Yolo County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Onion may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Yolo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Yolo County
How your county's soil matches Onion's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Onion prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Yolo County is excellent for Onion — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Onion.
How to Plant Onion
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Onion
Onion needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Onion Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Yolo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Onion Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Onion Planting Timeline — Yolo County, CA
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 29 |
| Fall Sowing | October 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Yolo County
Growing Tips for Onion in Yolo County
Direct sow Onion outdoors after February 09 in Yolo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Onion in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Onion in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Onion in Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 3.
Your Yolo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yolo County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.