When to Plant Onions in Nevada
In Nevada, the time to plant onions outside runs from Dec 23 – Jan 6 in Henderson to May 1 – May 15 in Elko. In Las Vegas, it's Dec 27 – Jan 10. The average last spring frost differs by about 18 weeks across the state (Jan 20 in Henderson, May 29 in Elko), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Onions are cold-hardy. Plant sets or transplants early so they grow leaves before long summer days trigger bulbing.
- Start indoors: 10–12 weeks before the last frost.
- Plant outside: 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
Onions planting dates in Nevada by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder City | 9a | Oct 29 – Nov 12 | Dec 24 – Jan 7 |
| Carson City | 7a | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Elko | 5b | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Fallon | 7a | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Fernley | 7a | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Henderson | 9b | Oct 28 – Nov 11 | Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Las Vegas | 9a | Nov 1 – Nov 15 | Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Mesquite | 9a | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| North Las Vegas | 9a | Nov 9 – Nov 23 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Reno | 7b | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Sparks | 7a | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Winnemucca | 6b | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Nevada, or the general guide to when to plant onions.
Getting beds ready? Work out how much raised bed soil, compost or mulch you need with our sister site, Yard Coverage.