When to Plant Onions in Washington State: A Guide

When to Plant Onions in Washington State

Onions are a staple of the kitchen, and they’re easy to grow in Washington State. But when is the best time to plant them?

The answer depends on a few factors, including the variety of onion you’re planting, the climate in your area, and your personal preference.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best time to plant onions in Washington State, as well as how to prepare your soil, sow your seeds, and care for your plants.

We’ll also provide tips on harvesting and storing your onions, so you can enjoy them all year long.

So whether you’re a seasoned gardener or you’re just getting started, read on to learn everything you need to know about growing onions in Washington State.

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Month	Optimal Planting Time	Tips
March	Early March	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
April	Mid-April	Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date.
May	Late May	Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date.

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Onions are a popular vegetable that can be grown in a variety of climates. Washington State has a diverse climate, so it is possible to grow onions in all parts of the state. However, the best time to plant onions in Washington State depends on the specific climate zone.

This article will discuss the best time to plant onions in Washington State, as well as the ideal soil and fertilizer conditions for growing onions. We will also provide tips on how to care for your onions and harvest them at the right time.

When to Plant Onions in Washington State?

The best time to plant onions in Washington State depends on the specific climate zone. In general, onions can be planted in early spring in zones 4a to 6b, and in late summer in zones 7a to 9a.

Here is a more detailed planting schedule for onions in Washington State:

• Zone 4a: Plant onions in early April.
• Zone 4b: Plant onions in late April or early May.
• Zone 5a: Plant onions in early May.
• Zone 5b: Plant onions in mid-May.
• Zone 6a: Plant onions in late May or early June.
• Zone 6b: Plant onions in mid-June.
• Zone 7a: Plant onions in late June or early July.
• Zone 7b: Plant onions in mid-July.
• Zone 8a: Plant onions in late July or early August.
• Zone 8b: Plant onions in mid-August.
• Zone 9a: Plant onions in late August or early September.
• Zone 9b: Plant onions in mid-September.

Soil and Fertilizer for Onions

Onions grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0. If the soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. If the soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.

Onions also benefit from a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. You can apply a fertilizer that is specifically designed for onions, or you can use a general-purpose fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.

Caring for Onions

Once your onions are planted, you will need to water them regularly. Onions need about 1 inch of water per week. You can also apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.

In addition to watering, you will also need to weed around the plants regularly. Weeds compete with onions for water and nutrients, so it is important to remove them as soon as possible.

Harvesting Onions

Onions are ready to harvest when the tops of the plants have fallen over and the skins have started to turn brown. You can harvest onions by pulling them out of the ground. Be careful not to damage the bulbs when you are harvesting them.

Once you have harvested your onions, you can store them in a cool, dry place. Onions can be stored for several months if they are properly stored.

Onions are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be grown in a variety of climates. Washington State has a diverse climate, so it is possible to grow onions in all parts of the state. By following the tips in this article, you can successfully grow onions in Washington State.

When to Plant Onions in Washington State?

Onions are a cool-season crop that can be planted in Washington State from early spring to early summer. The best time to plant onions depends on the variety you are growing and the climate in your area.

Early Season Varieties

Early season onions can be planted in Washington State as early as late February or early March. These varieties mature in about 60 days and are best for growing in mild climates. Some popular early season onion varieties for Washington State include:

• White Grano
• Red Granex
• Yellow Globe
• Stuttgarter

Mid-Season Varieties

Mid-season onions can be planted in Washington State from mid-March to mid-April. These varieties mature in about 70 days and are best for growing in cool climates. Some popular mid-season onion varieties for Washington State include:

• Walla Walla Sweet
• Vidalia
• Creole Shallot
• Texas Rose

Late Season Varieties

Late season onions can be planted in Washington State from late April to early May. These varieties mature in about 80 days and are best for growing in cool climates. Some popular late season onion varieties for Washington State include:

• Southport White Globe
• Copra Yellow
• Red Burgundy
• Texas Sweet

Climate

The climate in Washington State can vary greatly from one region to another. The best time to plant onions will depend on the average temperature in your area. If you live in a warm climate, you may need to plant onions earlier in the season. If you live in a cool climate, you may need to plant onions later in the season.

Soil

Onions grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.8. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.

Spacing

Onions should be spaced about 4 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. When planting onions, make sure to bury the onion sets about 2 inches deep.

Watering

Onions need regular watering throughout the growing season. Water them deeply once or twice a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Fertilizing

Onions do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from a light application of fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is a good choice for onions.

Pests and Diseases

Onions are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, onion maggots, and downy mildew. To protect your onions from pests and diseases, you can:

• Plant resistant varieties
• Practice good garden sanitation
• Use row covers to protect your plants from pests
• Spray your plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests
• Treat your plants with fungicide to control diseases

Harvesting

Onions are ready to harvest when the tops of the plants have fallen over and the skins have begun to dry. To harvest onions, carefully dig them up and remove the excess soil from the roots. Allow the onions to dry in the sun for a few days before storing them in a cool, dry place.

Storage

Onions can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place. To store onions, place them in a mesh bag or open container and store them in a cool, dry place. You can also store onions in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Onions are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be grown in Washington State. By following these tips, you can successfully grow onions in your garden and enjoy them fresh from your own harvest.

How to Plant Onions in Washington State?

Planting onions in Washington State is easy, and with a little care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh onions. Here are the steps involved in planting onions in Washington State:

1. Choose a planting site. Onions grow best in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. If your soil is sandy or clayey, you may need to add compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
2. Prepare the soil. Before planting, work the soil to a depth of 12 inches. If the soil is compacted,

When is the best time to plant onions in Washington state?

Onions are a cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or late fall. The best time to plant onions in Washington state depends on the variety of onion you are growing and the climate in your area.

What are the different types of onions that can be grown in Washington state?

There are many different types of onions that can be grown in Washington state, including:

• Yellow onions
• White onions
• Red onions
• Sweet onions
• Scallions
• Shallots
• Leeks

How do I prepare the soil for planting onions?

To prepare the soil for planting onions, you will need to:

1. Remove any weeds or debris from the area where you will be planting your onions.
2. Till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches.
3. Add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
4. Rake the soil until it is smooth and level.

How deep should I plant onions?

Onions should be planted 1-2 inches deep.

How far apart should I plant onions?

Onions should be planted 4-6 inches apart.

**How much water do onions need?

Onions need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water your onions deeply once or twice a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

**What are the most common pests and diseases that affect onions?

The most common pests and diseases that affect onions include:

• Onion maggots
• Onion thrips
• Onion rust
• Downy mildew
• Botrytis

**How can I prevent pests and diseases from affecting my onions?

You can prevent pests and diseases from affecting your onions by:

• Planting resistant varieties of onions.
• Rotating your crops.
• Applying mulch to the soil around your onions.
• Watering your onions early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid splashing water on the leaves.
• Inspecting your onions regularly for signs of pests or diseases and taking action to control them if necessary.

**When is the best time to harvest onions?

Onions are ready to harvest when the tops of the plants have fallen over and the skins have turned brown. You can also harvest onions when the bulbs are about 2 inches in diameter.

**How do I store onions?

To store onions, you will need to:

1. Cure the onions by leaving them in a cool, dry place for 2-3 weeks.
2. Remove any damaged or diseased onions.
3. Store the onions in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.

**Additional resources

• [Washington State University Extension: Growing Onions](https://extension.wsu.edu/publications/files/wsu-pnw194/pnw194.pdf)
• [University of California Cooperative Extension: Growing Onions](https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr.edu/files/52404.pdf)
• [The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Growing Onions](https://www.almanac.com/garden/vegetables/growing-onions)

  When to plant onions in Washington state depends on the variety of onion you are planting. For example, early-maturing onions can be planted in early spring, while late-maturing onions should be planted in late spring or early summer. The ideal soil temperature for planting onions is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once you have chosen the right variety of onion and the best time to plant it, you can prepare your soil and get started. Onions do best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can improve the drainage of your soil by adding compost or sand. Onions also benefit from a side dressing of fertilizer applied about six weeks after planting.

When planting onions, it is important to space the seedlings about 4 inches apart. Onions should be watered regularly, but not too much. Overwatering can lead to rotting. You should also thin the seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they have reached about 6 inches in height.

Onions are ready to harvest when the tops have fallen over and the skins have started to dry. You can harvest onions by gently pulling them out of the ground. Be careful not to damage the bulbs. Once you have harvested your onions, you can store them in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow onions in Washington state. Enjoy!