How to Grow Onions in Florida
The one rule that makes or breaks Florida onions: plant short-day varieties. Long-day types simply won't bulb here.
The golden rule: Florida is short-day onion country. Day length triggers bulbing, and short-day types bulb in the South's shorter winter days. Northern long-day onions will grow leaves forever and never form a bulb here.
When to plant in Florida
| Region | Plant sets/transplants |
|---|---|
| North Florida | Oct-Nov |
| Central Florida | Oct-Dec |
| South Florida | Nov-Dec |
Varieties
- 'Granex' (the Vidalia type) — sweet, the Southern short-day standard.
- 'Texas Early Grano' — large, mild, short-day.
- 'Red Creole' — pungent and stores better in the South.
How to grow them
- Plant transplants or sets in fall; they grow leaves through winter and bulb as days lengthen in spring.
- Full sun, rich soil, steady water and regular light feeding for big bulbs.
- Keep weeded; onions compete poorly.
Harvest
When the tops yellow and fall over in late spring, lift the bulbs and cure them in a dry, airy, shaded spot for a couple of weeks before storing.
Source: UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103).
When to plant in your region
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See also: Onions in the plant library →
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