When to Plant Onions in North Dakota
In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 1 – Mar 15, then transplant outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 26. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Wahpeton and as late as Apr 23 in Beulah.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Bismarck | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Grand Forks | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Minot | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| West Fargo | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Williston | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Dickinson | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Mandan | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Jamestown | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Wahpeton | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Devils Lake | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Watford City | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Valley City | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Minot Air Force Base | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Grafton | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Lincoln | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Beulah | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Rugby | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Stanley | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Horace | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 North Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all North Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant onions in North Dakota?
In a typical North Dakota location, start seeds indoors Mar 1 – Mar 15, then transplant outdoors Apr 12 – Apr 26. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 6 in Wahpeton and as late as Apr 23 in Beulah.
When is the last frost in North Dakota?
The average last spring frost in North Dakota ranges from May 4 in Wahpeton to May 21 in Beulah, 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 North Dakota
- 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