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When to plant Onion in Union County, FL

Aim to plant Onion in Union County on or after February 8; the window stays open through March 1. Union County's 271-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Onion in Union County, FL

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.

Union County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 271 days.

At an elevation of 360 feet, Union County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Onion root diseases.

Union County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
271 days
Last Spring Frost March 1
271 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-6

Drainage

Well Drained

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 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 10" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Onion Planting Timeline — Union County, FL

Onion Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors March 1 Mar 1 – Mar 15
Direct Sow February 8 Feb 8 – Mar 1
Harvest May 31 May 31 – Jul 19
Fall Sowing October 2 Oct 2 – Oct 16

Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

271 days in Union County

Growing Tips for Union 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

  • Peas
  • Green Beans
  • Asparagus

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Onion in Union County, FL?

Union County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, FL?

Union County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 27.

When should I plant Onion in Union County, FL?

In Union County, FL, plant Onion after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Union County, FL for Onion?

Union County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Onion grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Onion grow in Union County's climate?

Yes — Onion grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 271-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 27.

🌱

Your Union County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Union County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.