Planting Guides
When to Plant Onions in New York: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7a
New York, New York
USDA Zone 7a
Last Frost: Apr 15
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Learn when to plant onions in New York with specific dates for Zone 7a. Compare varieties, get complete timeline, discover which onions grow best in New York's climate.
— Image © PlantReference.org 2026
Quick Answer
Plant onions in New York from mid-March through April after soil workable. Choose long-day varieties like Red Wing for storage or intermediate Candy for flexibility.
TL;DR
New York's Zone 7a climate is perfect for onions. Plant long-day varieties like Allium cepa 'Red Wing' and Allium cepa 'Walla Walla' from mid-March through April, and intermediate-day Allium cepa 'Candy' from March through May. Fall-plant garlic Allium sativum 'Music' in mid-October for next summer's harvest. With proper variety selection and timing, New York gardeners can grow both storage onions lasting 8+ months and sweet varieties for fresh eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What onion varieties grow best in New York's climate?
Long-day varieties work excellently in New York's Zone 7a climate. Allium cepa 'Red Wing' provides the best storage life, keeping 8-10 months when properly cured. Allium cepa 'Walla Walla' gives you sweet onions for fresh eating. Intermediate-day varieties like Allium cepa 'Candy' offer the most flexibility for variable spring conditions and can handle New York's weather swings better than strict long-day types.
When should I plant onions in New York for the best results?
Plant onion sets from mid-March through early April, and transplants from late March through mid-April. Sets can handle colder soil and go in 2-4 weeks before your April 14 last frost date. Transplants need soil temperatures consistently above 40°F. Earlier planting within this window produces larger bulbs since plants have more time to develop leaves before summer day length triggers bulbing.
Can I grow onions from seed in New York?
Yes, but start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplant date (late January to early February). Direct seeding outdoors in New York works only if soil conditions allow planting in late March. Transplants give more reliable results for most New York gardeners since they provide a head start on the growing season and aren't dependent on perfect soil conditions for germination.
Should I plant garlic in spring or fall in New York?
Plant garlic in fall only—mid-October is ideal for New York's Zone 7a. Garlic requires 4-8 weeks of cold temperatures (32-50°F) to develop properly segmented bulbs. Spring-planted garlic produces "rounds" (single solid bulbs) rather than cloved heads. Plant hardneck varieties like Allium sativum 'Music' or softneck Allium sativum 'California Early' for best results.
How do I prevent my onions from bolting in New York?
Use small onion sets (smaller than a dime) and plant at proper timing. Large sets are more prone to bolting when exposed to temperature swings below 45°F after reaching pencil thickness. Choose day-neutral varieties like Allium cepa 'Candy' for variable conditions. Plant sets in mid-March when soil is workable but not during extended cold snaps.
What's the difference between storage and sweet onions for New York growing?
Storage onions like Allium cepa 'Red Wing' have higher sulfur content and cure to papery skins that preserve for 8-12 months. Sweet onions like {Allium cepa 'Walla Walla' have high water and sugar content making them mild and crisp but only keep 1-3 months. Both grow well in New York, so plant both types—storage varieties for winter use and sweet varieties for fresh summer eating.
How long does it take to grow onions from planting to harvest in New York?
Most onion varieties require 105-125 days from transplant to harvest. Plant in mid-March to early April, expect harvest from late July through September. Garlic planted in October takes 240-270 days, harvesting the following July. The long growing season means starting early is crucial for achieving full-size bulbs before day length triggers bulbing.
NEW PLANT DAILY
Think you know your plants?
Test your botanical knowledge with a new plant identification challenge every day. Build your streak, learn fascinating plant facts, and become a plant identification expert!
Build your streak
One chance per day
Learn as you play
Free account required • Takes less than 30 seconds
Tagged with
Written By
F
Frank Russo
Frank retired from the city parks department after 28 years, the last fifteen as a grounds supervisor overseeing park plantings and maintenance crews. He now spends his time volunteering at a local historic garden, maintaining his own half-acre property in the Roxborough neighborhood, and writing about landscape maintenance, seasonal timing, and the practical side of keeping plants healthy through Mid-Atlantic winters and humid summers. Frank knows what works at scale and what's a waste of time—he's planted thousands of trees and shrubs and watched plenty of them fail. His advice tends toward what's proven and durable rather than what's trendy.
