FrostCal

When to Plant Onions in Rhode Island

In a typical Rhode Island location, start seeds indoors Jan 31 – Feb 14, then transplant outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 10 in Newport and as late as Apr 3 in Narragansett.

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
ProvidenceJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
WarwickJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
CranstonJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
PawtucketFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
East ProvidenceJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
WoonsocketFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
CoventryFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
CumberlandFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
North ProvidenceJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
South KingstownFeb 20 – Mar 6Apr 3 – Apr 17
West WarwickFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
JohnstonJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
North KingstownFeb 16 – Mar 2Mar 30 – Apr 13
NewportJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 10 – Mar 24
BristolJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
SmithfieldFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
LincolnFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
Central FallsFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
WesterlyJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
PortsmouthJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
MiddletownJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
BarringtonJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
NarragansettFeb 20 – Mar 6Apr 3 – Apr 17
East GreenwichJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
Newport EastJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
Valley FallsFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
WarrenJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28
North SmithfieldFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8
North ScituateFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 28 – Apr 11

Showing the 29 most populous of 29 Rhode Island cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Rhode Island cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant onions in Rhode Island?

In a typical Rhode Island location, start seeds indoors Jan 31 – Feb 14, then transplant outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 10 in Newport and as late as Apr 3 in Narragansett.

When is the last frost in Rhode Island?

The average last spring frost in Rhode Island ranges from April 7 in Newport to May 1 in Narragansett, 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 Rhode Island

When to plant onions in other states

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