When to plant scallion 🧅
Scallion takes 60–80 days to mature, spaced 2" apart at 0.25" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | March 30 – April 13 | April 27 – June 22 | May 4 – May 18 | July 27 – August 17 |
| Zone 4 | March 20 – April 3 | April 17 – June 12 | April 24 – May 8 | July 17 – August 7 |
| Zone 5 | March 6 – March 20 | April 3 – May 29 | April 10 – April 24 | July 3 – July 24 |
| Zone 6 | February 19 – March 4 | March 18 – May 13 | March 25 – April 8 | June 17 – July 8 |
| Zone 7 | February 5 – February 19 | March 4 – April 29 | March 11 – March 25 | June 3 – June 24 |
| Zone 8 | January 19 – February 2 | February 16 – April 12 | February 23 – March 8 | May 17 – June 7 |
| Zone 9 | December 21 – January 4 | January 18 – March 14 | January 25 – February 8 | April 18 – May 9 |
| Zone 10 | December 5 – December 19 | January 2 – February 27 | January 9 – January 23 | April 2 – April 23 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized scallion planting dates
Care tips
- Cut leaves and they'll regrow several times.
- Plant in clusters for stronger flavor.
- Cold-hardy — over-winters in many zones.
Good companions
Carrot, Beet, Lettuce.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Frequently asked questions
When should I start scallion seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start scallion seeds indoors between March 6 and March 20 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start scallion seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start scallion seeds indoors between February 19 and March 4 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start scallion seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start scallion seeds indoors between February 5 and February 19 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start scallion seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start scallion seeds indoors between January 19 and February 2 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant scallion seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant scallion seedlings about -3–-1 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around March 25–April 8.
How long does scallion take to grow?▾
Scallion typically takes 60–80 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 9–12 weeks after the last spring frost.