When to Plant Onions in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the time to plant onions outside runs from Mar 10 – Mar 24 in Newport to Mar 25 – Apr 8 in Pawtucket. In Providence, it's Mar 14 – Mar 28. The average last spring frost differs by about 2 weeks across the state (Apr 7 in Newport, Apr 22 in Pawtucket), 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 Rhode Island by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Falls | 7a | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Cranston | 7a | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| East Providence | 7a | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Newport | 7a | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Pawtucket | 7a | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Providence | 7a | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Warwick | 7a | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Woonsocket | 6b | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
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 Rhode Island, or the general guide to when to plant onions.
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