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When to Plant Scallions in Madison County, ID

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.

Madison County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.

At an elevation of 6,385 feet, Madison County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Scallions successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Madison County, ID (Zone 5a) Short season
103 days
Last Spring Frost May 31
103 growing days
First Fall Frost September 11

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 16 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Aug 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (19 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 26 Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Aug 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 17 Transplant: Jun 21 🍅 Harvest: Aug 16 – Sep 13

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 248 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Scallions needs ~825 GDD — county provides 1,416 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Madison County, ID

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 10
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14
Direct Sow May 17 May 17 โ€“ Jun 7
Fall Sowing July 3 Jul 3 โ€“ Jul 17
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 โ€“ Aug 23

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

103 days

Growing Tips for Madison County

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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scallions in Madison County, ID?

Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, ID?

Madison County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Madison County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.