Growing Onions in Zone 5B

Onions are a garden staple. Choose the right day-length variety for your latitude for best results.

Zone 5B has a moderate growing season. Most crops do well here with proper timing around frost dates.

Top Growing Tips

• Short-day varieties for zones 7+ (south), long-day for zones 6 and north
• Start from sets (small bulbs) for easiest results
• Stop watering when tops start to fall over
• Cure in a warm, dry spot for 2-3 weeks before storing
• Day-neutral varieties work in any zone

Companion Planting

Good companions: beets, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, chamomile

Avoid planting near: beans, peas

Harvest Timeline

90-120 days from sets, 100-175 days from seed

About Zone 5B

USDA Hardiness Zone 5B has an average last spring frost around Apr 18 and first fall frost around Oct 13. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.