When to plant Onion in Lee County County,
Lee County County gardeners should plant Onion between January 7 and January 28 in spring. With Lee County County's Zone 10b climate (last frost January 28), Onion needs 120 days to mature — plant by August 21 for a full harvest. A second sowing from October 24 to November 7 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Onion in Lee County, FL
Your June gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Lee County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Basket week: onion
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Onion during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Onion will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Onion root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Onion 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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Onion's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–5.9) is more acidic than Onion prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lee County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Onion will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Onion.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Onion.
How to Plant Onion
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Onion Water Budget
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 | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Lee 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 — Lee County, FL
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 31 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Direct Sow | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 28 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jun 17 |
| Fall Sowing | October 24 | Oct 24 – Nov 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Onion in Lee County
Direct sow Onion outdoors after January 28 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lee County dries quickly — mulch Onion with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Onion in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Onion in Lee County, FL?
Lee County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, FL?
Lee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 19.
When should I plant Onion in Lee County, ?
In Lee County, , plant Onion after the last frost (around January 28) and before the first frost (around December 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lee County, for Onion?
Lee County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Onion grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Onion grow in Lee County's climate?
Yes — Onion grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 28 and first frost around December 19.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.