Vidalia onion 2023 pack date released: It’s April 17

Starting in Georgia and then spreading out in waves  — and retailer shelves — across the U.S., the celebration can begin.

The start of Vidalia onion season is almost here, with the official pack date recently announced by the Georgia agriculture commissioner and Vidalia Onion Committee.

On April 17, the sweet, flat-ish onions are set to ship to grocery stores nationwide, according to a news release. 

“It’s an exciting time for farmers and producers in our state and for consumers across the country as we look forward to enjoying the sweet onion once again,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said. “The Vidalia onion has become a sought-after ingredient by professional chefs and home cooks alike, and we’re proud to grow them right here in Georgia.”

Learn more: Vidalia onions on PMG

Vidalia onions are available for a limited time each year, between April through early September. The pack date is determined by soil and weather conditions during the growing season, which contributes to high-quality Vidalia onions. The Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel votes on the date for each year. 

Known for their sweet, crisp flavor and versatility, Vidalia onions are a seasonal treat suitable in a variety of dishes — from savory to sweet.

Because of the unique combination of weather, water and soil in 20 south Georgia counties, Vidalia onions cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. While all Vidalia onions are sweet onions, not all sweet onions are Vidalia ones.

For the 2023 season, farmers have 10,000 acres of Vidalia onions planted in the production area, Vidalia Onion Committee Chairman Cliff Riner said in the release.

“Over the past few years, sweet onion sales have continued to increase, with Vidalia onions being a big part of the market. We're looking forward to another great season this year,” Riner said.

For more than 80 years, Vidalia onions have been hand-planted, harvested and cured by growers. The Vidalia Onion Act of 1986 established their growing region in south Georgia and trademarked the “Vidalia onion” name. Vidalia onions are grown from a distinctive Granex seed, then packed and sold on or after the official pack date annually.