When to plant onion in zone 7a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7A

Growing SeasonZone 7a

Last frost ~Apr 15First frost ~Oct 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Feb 4 · Sow Apr 1 · First harvest Jun 30 · Wrap by Jul 28

Last spring frostApr 15

Start seeds indoorsFeb 4

Direct sowApr 1

First harvestJun 30

Last harvestJul 28

First fall frostOct 25

Why these dates work in zone 7a

Zone 7a's last spring frost averages Apr 15 and first fall frost Oct 25 — about 193 frost-free days. Onion tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 10 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does onion take to grow in zone 7a?

Onion matures in about 90–110 days from sowing. In zone 7a that means sowing around Apr 1 and first picking around Jun 30.

Will onion survive frost in zone 7a?

Yes — onion tolerates light frost. In zone 7a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 25).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full onion growing guide →