FrostCal

When to Plant Onions in Florida

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Nov 16 – Nov 30, then transplant outdoors Dec 28 – Jan 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 18 in Sarasota and as late as Feb 21 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 90–120 days

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost (or use sets/transplants); set out 2-4 weeks before last frost, very cold-tolerant as seedlings.

Onions Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
JacksonvilleNov 23 – Dec 7Jan 4 – Jan 18
MiamiFrost-free: year-round planting
TampaNov 11 – Nov 25Dec 23 – Jan 6
OrlandoNov 8 – Nov 22Dec 20 – Jan 3
St. PetersburgNov 8 – Nov 22Dec 20 – Jan 3
HialeahFrost-free: year-round planting
TallahasseeDec 31 – Jan 14Feb 11 – Feb 25
Fort LauderdaleFrost-free: year-round planting
Cape CoralNov 7 – Nov 21Dec 19 – Jan 2
Pembroke PinesFrost-free: year-round planting
Port Saint LucieFrost-free: year-round planting
HollywoodFrost-free: year-round planting
GainesvilleDec 23 – Jan 6Feb 3 – Feb 17
MiramarFrost-free: year-round planting
Coral SpringsFrost-free: year-round planting
West Palm BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
Palm BayNov 7 – Nov 21Dec 19 – Jan 2
ClearwaterNov 8 – Nov 22Dec 20 – Jan 3
Miami GardensFrost-free: year-round planting
Pompano BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
LakelandNov 17 – Dec 1Dec 29 – Jan 12
BrandonNov 21 – Dec 5Jan 2 – Jan 16
DavieFrost-free: year-round planting
Spring HillNov 27 – Dec 11Jan 8 – Jan 22
Boca RatonFrost-free: year-round planting
PlantationFrost-free: year-round planting
Miami BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
DeltonaNov 17 – Dec 1Dec 29 – Jan 12
Lehigh AcresNov 8 – Nov 22Dec 20 – Jan 3
MelbourneNov 11 – Nov 25Dec 23 – Jan 6

Showing the 30 most populous of 351 Florida cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Florida cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant onions in Florida?

In a typical Florida location, start seeds indoors Nov 16 – Nov 30, then transplant outdoors Dec 28 – Jan 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 18 in Sarasota and as late as Feb 21 in Crestview. 103 cities in Florida are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Florida?

The average last spring frost in Florida ranges from January 15 in Sarasota to March 21 in Crestview, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do onions take to grow?

Onions typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost (or use sets/transplants); set out 2-4 weeks before last frost, very cold-tolerant as seedlings.

Other Crops in Florida

When to plant onions in other states

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