How to Grow Onions in Texas: Expert Tips

How to Grow Onions in Texas?

To grow onions in Texas, you should plant them 4-6 weeks before the last average spring freeze, which is usually between January 15th and February 15th in Zone 8.

Prepare raised beds that are at least 4″ high and 20″ wide.

Create a trench in the top of the beds that is 4″ deep and distribute fertilizer at a rate of 1 cup per 20 linear feet of row using a recommended fertilizer like Happy Frog Steamed Bone Meal 3-15-0.

Plant onions approximately 1″ deep with 5-6″ spacing between plants, or 2-3″ spacing if thinning later for green onions.

Water immediately after planting and make sure to provide ample water throughout the entire growth process, especially when bulbs are forming.

It is also important to water in the mornings to help prevent disease if tops must be wetted by irrigation.

Fertilize every week with water soluble fertilizer, like Fox Farm Grow Big Liquid Fertilizer, about three weeks to a month after transplanting.

Harvest onions when the tops fall over and let them dry on the ground for a few days without getting wet.

Clip off tops an inch from the bulb and store in a ventilated area.

Options for storage include using pantyhose to hang onions, loosely wrapping each onion in newspaper in a cool, ventilated area, or wrapping each onion in foil and keeping them in the refrigerator for up to a year.

Sweeter onions with high water content will not keep as long as stronger-tasting, more pungent onion varieties.

Keep in mind that the onion industry in Texas is a significant contributor to the state’s economy, with Texas being one of the leading onion producers in the country.

Key Points:

  • Plant onions in Texas 4-6 weeks before the last average spring freeze
  • Prepare raised beds that are at least 4″ high and 20″ wide
  • Create a trench in the top of the beds that is 4″ deep and distribute fertilizer
  • Plant onions approximately 1″ deep with 5-6″ spacing between plants
  • Water immediately after planting and provide ample water throughout growth process
  • Harvest onions when the tops fall over and store in a ventilated area


Did You Know?

1. In Texas, there is a town called “Vidalia,” named after the famed Vidalia onions, even though Vidalia onions are actually grown in Georgia.
2. Onions are often used in folk remedies as a natural mosquito repellent due to their strong odor.
3. The largest onion ever recorded weighed a whopping 18 pounds and 11 ounces, roughly the size of a small watermelon!
4. Onions belong to the allium family, which includes other pungent vegetables like garlic, leeks, and shallots.
5. Texas is known for its love of spicy flavors, so it’s no surprise that they have developed their own variety of onion called the “Texas supersweet 1015” which has a mild flavor and is excellent for grilling.

Planting Onions In Texas – Timing And Preparation

When planting onions in Texas, timing is crucial. It is recommended to plant onions 4-6 weeks before the last average spring freeze in Central Texas, which typically falls between January 15th and February 15th in Zone 8. This ensures that the onions have enough time to establish themselves before the weather warms up.

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To prepare the beds for planting, it is advisable to create raised beds that are at least 4″ high and 20″ wide. These raised beds provide good drainage and prevent the onions from getting waterlogged. Additionally, a trench should be made in the top of the beds, approximately 4″ deep. This trench will serve as the planting space for the onions.

To ensure that the onion plants receive an adequate supply of nutrients, it is recommended to distribute fertilizer at the rate of 1 cup per 20 liner feet of row. A recommended fertilizer for this purpose is Happy Frog Steamed Bone Meal 3-15-0. Applying fertilizer at the time of planting helps provide the necessary nutrients for the young plants to establish themselves.

Watering And Fertilizing Onions In Texas

Watering is a critical aspect of growing onions in Texas, especially during the stages of bulb formation. Adequate water supply ensures optimal growth and development of the onion bulbs. It is recommended to use a drip system or soaker hose for irrigation to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease issues.

When it comes to fertilizing onions in Texas, a weekly application of water-soluble fertilizer is recommended starting about three weeks to a month after transplanting. A suitable choice for this purpose is Fox Farm Grow Big Liquid Fertilizer. Regular fertilization provides the essential nutrients that onions need for healthy growth and robust bulb formation.

Harvesting And Storing Onions In Texas

Knowing when to harvest onions in Texas is essential to ensure optimal flavor and storage longevity. Onions should be harvested when their tops start to fall over. This signifies that the bulbs have reached maturity and are ready for harvesting. Care should be taken to avoid bruising or damaging the bulbs during the harvesting process.

Once harvested, it is crucial to let the onions dry on the ground for a few days, preferably in a dry, shaded area. It is important to prevent the onions from getting wet or rained on during this stage, as moisture can promote rotting. After the onions have dried, the tops should be clipped off about an inch from the bulb.

For storing onions in Texas, there are various options to choose from. One option is to use pantyhose to hang the onions. Each onion can be placed in an individual section of the pantyhose, allowing for proper airflow and ventilation. Another method is to loosely wrap each onion in newspaper and store them in a cool, ventilated area.

Alternatively, each onion can be individually wrapped in foil and stored in the refrigerator. This method can keep the onions fresh for up to a year, but it is important to note that sweeter onions with higher water content may not last as long as the more pungent, stronger-tasting onion varieties.

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Choosing The Right Onion Variety For Texas

Texas is one of the leading onion producers in the country, with the onion industry contributing over $134 million yearly to the state’s economy. To ensure successful onion cultivation in Texas, it is important to choose the right onion variety for the region.

The main types of onions are short-day, long-day, and intermediate-day varieties. Short-day onions are best suited for Texas as they match the day length of the region. Some common varieties for short-day onions in Texas include 1015 onions, Texas White Granex, and sweet onions like Grano 502.

When choosing an onion variety, it is important to consider factors such as taste preferences, storage longevity, and adaptability to the Texas climate. By selecting the appropriate variety, onion growers in Texas can ensure a bountiful harvest and excellent quality bulbs.

Growing Onions From Seeds Or Bulb Sets In Texas

In Texas, onions can be grown from seeds or bulb sets, depending on personal preference and the desired cultivation method. Growing onions from seeds allows for a wider selection of varieties, while bulb sets offer convenience and a head start in the growing process.

When starting onions from seeds, it is important to use a container with a depth of at least 4 inches and drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A seed starting mix should be used, and the onion seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately ⅛ inch. After sprouting, the seedlings should be maintained at a length of about 3 inches.

Transplanting onion seedlings or growing from bulb sets is recommended in January through February to protect the young plants from environmental stress. When transplanting onion seedlings, they should be placed in a location with at least 8 hours of sunlight and rich, well-draining soil. The seedlings should be gently removed from the container and spaced with a distance of 4 inches between each plant.

For growing onions from bulb sets, it is important to choose an area with 6-8 hours of sunlight and nitrogen-rich soil. The bulb sets should be planted with a spacing of 4 inches between each set and in a hole approximately 1 inch deep. Applying mulch can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

  • Use a container with a depth of at least 4 inches and drainage holes for starting onions from seeds.
  • Sow the onion seeds at a depth of approximately ⅛ inch.
  • Maintain the sprouted seedlings at a length of about 3 inches.
  • Transplant onion seedlings in January through February for better environmental protection.
  • Choose a location with at least 8 hours of sunlight and well-draining soil for transplanting onion seedlings.
  • Space the seedlings with a distance of 4 inches between each plant.
  • Plant bulb sets in an area with 6-8 hours of sunlight and nitrogen-rich soil.
  • Space the bulb sets with a spacing of 4 inches between each set.
  • Plant the bulb sets in a hole approximately 1 inch deep.
  • Apply mulch to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

“Growing onions from seeds allows for a wider selection of varieties, while bulb sets offer convenience and a head start in the growing process.”

Tips For Successful Onion Cultivation In Texas

To ensure successful onion cultivation in Texas, here are some additional tips to consider:

  • Leave a 4-inch distance between onions when planting to prevent competition for sunlight and nutrients, and to promote proper growth.

  • If you have sprouted onions, each onion can be used to grow another three bulb plants, as long as the roots are kept unharmed. This can be a cost-effective way to increase your onion crop.

  • Protect the onions from freezing temperatures, as they can be susceptible to damage. Planting them at least four weeks before the ground freezes, and selecting suitable onion varieties for the region, can help ensure a healthy and abundant bulb crop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow onions in Texas?

In the state of Texas, the process of growing onions depends on the cultivation method and the desired outcome. Onions that are seeded in October to December, or transplanted in January to February, typically result in fully formed bulbs by May to July. However, if the intention is to harvest them as green onions, they can be picked from the time they reach pencil size until they start forming bulbs. This allows for a flexible harvest schedule and the ability to enjoy young, flavorful onions before they mature into bulbs.

How long do onions take to grow from?

Onions take around 3 to 4 months to reach maturity when grown from seed. However, if you prefer green onions, using sets will allow you to harvest them in only 6 weeks. To obtain larger onions for cooking purposes, it is recommended to plant the bulbs about 10 to 12 inches apart, just beneath the surface.

Can I plant onions now in Texas?

Yes, in Texas, it is advisable to plant onions either from October 1 until November 15 using seeds or from January through February using transplants. These time periods, specific to Texas Zones III – V (USDA Zones 8 and 9), offer the best conditions for onion growth and ensure a higher chance of success. Thus, it is recommended to follow these planting guidelines for optimal results in onion cultivation in Texas.

Do onions grow wild in Texas?

Yes, onions do grow wild in Texas. With 14 species and multiple varieties of wild onions, the state is home to a rich diversity of these plants. While some of the plants classified as wild onions are actually wild garlic, distinguishing between the two can be challenging due to their similarities. Nonetheless, whether it’s wild onions or wild garlic, all parts of these plants, including the flowers, are edible.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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