When to Plant Onions in Texas: Best Timelines and Tips

Texas is a wonderful place to grow onions because of its favorable climate. For the best results, plant onions between October and December, ensuring the seeds are placed 1 inch apart and ¼ inch deep. This timing allows the onions to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and establish themselves before the heat of the Texas summer kicks in.

When my onions reached about 6 inches high, I thinned them down to one plant every 2 to 3 inches. The extra plants made for some delicious green onions! Planting onion transplants or sets ¾ inch deep and spacing them 3 inches apart has also worked well for me, making sure they have enough room to grow and develop into hearty bulbs.

Growing onions in Texas does require some attention to detail, particularly with soil preparation and watering. I always make sure my soil is well-drained and sandy, which allows the onions to thrive. Remember, a little diligence during the planting season will reward you with a bountiful onion harvest come summer or fall.

Selecting the Right Onions Varieties for Texas Climate

Choosing onion varieties that thrive in the Texas climate is key to a successful harvest. I’ll share about the crucial types to consider: short-day onions, which are best suited for the state, and the popular Texas varieties like Yellow Granex and White Bermuda.

Understanding Short-Day and Long-Day Onion Types

Onions are categorized into short-day and long-day types. In Texas, short-day onions are the go-to because they start bulbing when days get about 10-12 hours of sunlight. Long-day onions, which need 14-16 hours, aren’t typically suitable for our climate.

Short-day onions are usually planted in the fall or early winter. They can handle the mild Texas winters and are ready for harvesting in late spring.

Not only do short-day varieties adapt to our climate, but they also offer a sweeter flavor, especially when grown under Texas conditions. I always ensure I choose a robust short-day onion for a reliable and tasty yield.

Best Varieties for Texas: Yellow Granex and White Bermuda

Two standout varieties for Texas are Yellow Granex and White Bermuda. I plant Yellow Granex for its sweet taste and excellent storage life. Known as the Vidalia onion when grown in Georgia, it’s perfect for Texas gardens too.

White Bermuda is another favorite, particularly for its early harvest and mild flavor. They’re ideal for fresh use in salads or as a garnish.

Both these varieties thrive in Texas soil and climate. Plant them in well-drained soil, with plenty of organic matter, and watch them flourish. With Yellow Granex and White Bermuda, you’re bound to have a productive onion season in the Lone Star State.

Preparing Soil and Planting Onions in Texas

Getting the soil right and knowing when to plant are key steps for successful onion growth in Texas. Providing your onions with the right nutrients and ideal planting time ensures a bountiful harvest.

Soil Preparation: Ph, Nutrients, and Organic Matter

Healthy onions thrive in well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. I always start by checking the soil pH, which should be between 6.0 and 7.5. You can easily test this using a pH testing kit from any garden store.

Nutrients are also essential. Incorporate plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to boost drainage and soil structure. This adds necessary organic matter and nutrients. Mixing the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches is crucial; it ensures nutrients are spread evenly.

Remember, onions are heavy feeders, so a balanced fertilizer (10-20-10) should be mixed into the soil before planting. This gives the onions a nutrient boost, especially the high phosphorus content, which supports healthy root development.

💥 Tip: Keep your soil loose and crumbly to help with bulb expansion!

Site Selection and Planting Time

Choose a site that gets plenty of full sunlight; onions love the sun. Make sure the area has well-drained soil to prevent rot. In Texas, I’ve found that planting times can vary based on the onion variety.

For spring planting, it’s best to plant onions in late February to early March. For a fall planting, aim for October to November. This timing helps onions develop strong roots before the weather gets too hot or too cold.

Use a raised bed or row system for better drainage. Plant onion sets (small bulbs) about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows. That gives them enough space to grow into big, healthy bulbs.

Onion Care: Watering, Weeding, and Fertilizing

Keeping your onions happy means giving them just the right amount of water, staying on top of weed control, and knowing when and how to add fertilizer to the mix.

Watering Requirements and Techniques

Onions need consistent watering to grow well. They prefer around 1 inch of water per week. This can be from rainfall or irrigation, but it needs to keep the soil moist without making it soggy.

I usually water early in the morning. This helps the soil absorb water before the heat of the day kicks in. 🌞

If you’re using drip irrigation, make sure it’s set to a slow rate to allow deep penetration. Avoid overhead watering as much as possible. It can lead to diseases.

Weed Management and Soil Mulching

Weeds can choke your onions and steal nutrients, so keeping them at bay is crucial. I find that hand weeding is often the best way to avoid root damage. However, mulch is your best friend here.

A good 2-3 inch layer of mulch, such as straw or old leaves, can do wonders. It helps keep the soil moist and blocks most weeds.

Mulching also regulates the soil temperature, creating a stable environment for onion growth. 🌱

Fertilizing: When and What to Use

Fertilizing onions properly can lead to bigger and better bulbs. Generally, a balanced fertilizer like a 10-20-10 mix is ideal. Start with a small amount of compost or aged manure when you prepare the soil.

After the plants have 4-6 leaves, apply fertilizer again. I mix about ½ cup of fertilizer per 10 feet of row. Careful not to overdo it.

Another key time for fertilizing is just before bulbs start to enlarge. This final boost helps them grow to their full potential without stressing the plants.

Taking these steps ensures that your onions get the nutrients they need for a successful harvest.

Harvesting and Storing Homegrown Onions

Harvesting homegrown onions at the right time ensures the best flavor and longevity. Proper curing and storage help maintain their quality for months.

Recognizing the Signs of Maturity and Harvest Time

Knowing when onions are mature is essential for a successful harvest. Pay attention to the leaves: Once about half have died back and the tops start to flop over, it’s a sign the onions are ready. The bulb will also appear plumper and the stem should feel soft.

I often check for these key signs:

• Brown and soft stems
• Flopping tops
• Plump bulbs

Once identified, I gently pull the onions from the soil using a gardening fork to avoid damaging the bulbs.

Curing Onions for Long-Term Storage

Curing is crucial to extending the storage life of onions. After harvesting, I let my onions dry out in a shaded, airy place for about two to three weeks. This process helps the outer skin become crisp, protecting the inner flesh from moisture and pests.

I place the onions in a single layer on a drying rack or use a screen mesh for good air circulation. It’s essential to turn them occasionally to ensure even drying.

Once cured:

• Trim roots and stems to 1 inch
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place

Proper storage includes using wire baskets or mesh bags to allow for adequate airflow. Keeping the temperature between 32-40°F helps maintain onion quality.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your homegrown onions for months, bringing that fresh, garden taste to your table regularly. 🌱