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When to Plant Scallions in Cumberland County, IL

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.

Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 772 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Cumberland County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Cumberland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Jul 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Jul 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Jul 21

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 474 gal / 100 sq ft
Scallions needs ~870 GDD — county provides 2,697 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Cumberland County, IL

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 โ€“ Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 โ€“ Apr 28
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 21
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 โ€“ Aug 22
Harvest June 9 Jun 9 โ€“ Jul 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 5b

Growing Season

186 days

Growing Tips for Cumberland 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 Cumberland County, IL?

Cumberland County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cumberland County, IL?

Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cumberland County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Cumberland County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.