When to Plant Scallions in Coffee County, AL
Scallions (green onions) are mild-flavored alliums harvested for their slender green tops and white bases. They are quick-growing and perfect for succession planting.
Coffee County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 342 feet, Coffee County receives approximately 55.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Scallions may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Scallions, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scallions root diseases.
Coffee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Coffee County
How your county's soil matches Scallions's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.7) overlaps with Scallions's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Coffee County is excellent for Scallions — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Scallions.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Scallions.
How to Plant Scallions
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Scallions
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 05.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Scallions
Scallions needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Scallions Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Coffee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Scallions Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Scallions Planting Timeline — Coffee County, AL
Scallions Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jun 4 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
247 days in Coffee County
Growing Tips for Scallions in Coffee County
Direct sow Scallions outdoors after March 12 in Coffee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Coffee County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Scallions. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Coffee County, provide afternoon shade for Scallions and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Scallions in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Thin to 1 inch apart or grow in clusters. Harvest when pencil-thick by pulling or cutting at soil level.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Scallions in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scallions in Coffee County, AL?
Coffee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coffee County, AL?
Coffee County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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