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Spring in Georgia means more than the return of flowers and butterflies.
It also means the return of the beloved Vidalia onion, the state vegetable only grown in South Georgia. Here’s what we know:
When are Vidalia onions available in 2025?
On Wednesday, the Georgia Department of Agriculture issued a news release announcing the official start of Vidalia onion season is April 15, at which point they will start being shipped to grocery stores. Vidalia Onion Committee Chairman Cliff Riner said 10,000 acres of Vidalia onions were planted in the production region.
“Our farmers are dedicated to sustaining this tradition, and it’s evident that consumer demand for Vidalia onions remains strong,” Riner said. “We look forward to another successful season defined by quality and flavor.”
How long is Vidalia onion season?
Vidalia Onion Committee Executive Director Shane Curry said Wednesday that there’s not a hard date on when Vidalia onions will no longer be available. Generally, they grow enough to sustain demand through Labor Day (in September) but it depends on multiple factors like crop yield and weather. Last year, they were able to feed customers into November.
Were Vidalia onion farms hurt by Hurricane Helene, ice storms?
Curry said in the news release that their Vidalia onion crops had to undergo multiple natural disasters including a tropical storm, a hurricane, floods, and six inches of snow. But, luckily, the crop only sustained minor damage.
Where are Vidalia onions grown?
Under the Vidalia Onion Act of 1986, Vidalia onions can only be grown in a specific region in Georgia. It largely encompasses 13 primary counties including:
- Appling County
- Bacon County
- Bulloch County
- Candler County
- Emanuel County
- Evans County
- Jeff Davis County
- Montgomery County
- Tattnall County
- Telfair County
- Toombs County
- Treutlen County
- Wheeler County
Parts of seven other counties are included, including:
- Dodge County
- Jenkins County
- Laurens County
- Long County
- Pierce County
- Screven County
- Wayne County
What is the punishment for illegally growing and selling Vidalia onions?
Georgia Code § 2-14-134 (which is part of the Vidalia Onion Act) says it is a felony to sell a non-Vidalia onion as a Vidalia onion, punishable by prison time of 1-3 years, a fine between $1,000 and $5,000, or both. According to § 2-14-135, other violations of the Vidalia Onion Act could lead to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation.
What is at the Vidalia Onion Museum?
The Vidalia Onion Museum is a 1,300 square-foot space in Lyons (just outside of Vidalia) with a variety of fun and educational displays illustrating the onion’s role in local history, cuisine, the economy, and other facets of Georgia culture. Exhibits include subjects like “Pioneers, Problems, and Promise” as well as “Protecting a Name and its Fame.” There is also a small gift shop. There’s also a living exhibit with real Vidalia Onions growing just outside the front doors.
The Vidalia Onion also has its own mascot named Yumion who sometimes appears for scheduled tours, but otherwise, guests can always get a picture with his cut-out.
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. It’s free and open to the public. Guests can tour themselves or schedule a guided tour by calling (912) 538-8687. Groups of more than 12 are asked to call ahead. For more info, go to vidaliaga.gov.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at [email protected].
