When to Plant Onions in Mississippi
In a typical Mississippi location, start seeds indoors Jan 2 – Jan 16, then transplant outdoors Feb 13 – Feb 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 15 in Biloxi and as late as Mar 6 in Oxford.
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
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Gulfport | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| West Gulfport | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Southaven | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Hattiesburg | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Biloxi | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Meridian | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Olive Branch | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Tupelo | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Greenville | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Horn Lake | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Pearl | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Madison | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Starkville | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Clinton | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Ridgeland | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Brandon | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Columbus | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Vicksburg | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Oxford | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Pascagoula | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Laurel | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Gautier | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Ocean Springs | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Clarksdale | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Long Beach | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Hernando | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Greenwood | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Natchez | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Corinth | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Mississippi cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Mississippi cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant onions in Mississippi?
In a typical Mississippi location, start seeds indoors Jan 2 – Jan 16, then transplant outdoors Feb 13 – Feb 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 15 in Biloxi and as late as Mar 6 in Oxford.
When is the last frost in Mississippi?
The average last spring frost in Mississippi ranges from February 12 in Biloxi to April 3 in Oxford, 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 Mississippi
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant onions in other states