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Can You Grow Onion in Wisconsin?

US · USDA Zone 5a · zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Grows well here

Onions grow well here — plant sets or transplants in early spring for a summer harvest.

Plant zones

2a–9b

Wisconsin last frost

mid-April

Wisconsin first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

90–120 days

When to plant Onions in Wisconsin

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jul 14 – Aug 13

Dates are approximate, based on Wisconsin's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Onion

Onions are a staple crop that stores well and can be grown as sets transplants or from seed.

Growing from sets is easiest for beginners. Plant in early spring — onions are frost-tolerant. Day-length sensitive — choose short-day long-day or day-neutral varieties based on your latitude.

Full onion growing guide →

Gardening in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cold humid continental climate. Milwaukee is Zone 5b-6a; northern Wisconsin is Zone 4a-5a. Cold winters but warm productive summers. Known for dairy farming and cold-hardy crops.

See what grows well in Wisconsin →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Onion in Wisconsin?

Onions grow well here — plant sets or transplants in early spring for a summer harvest.

What zone is Wisconsin?

Wisconsin spans USDA Zone 5a (3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b).

When do you plant Onions in Wisconsin?

Plant Onions around mid-April (start indoors Feb 17), harvest Jul 14 – Aug 13.