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When to Plant Scallions in Fulton 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.

Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,162 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Scallions to ensure they mature before fall.

Fulton County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Fulton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Jul 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Jul 25

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 117 gal / 100 sq ft
Scallions needs ~735 GDD — county provides 2,192 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Fulton County, IL

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 โ€“ Apr 27
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 โ€“ Aug 21
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 โ€“ Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
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

179 days

Growing Tips for Fulton 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 Fulton County, IL?

Fulton County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fulton County, IL?

Fulton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

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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 Fulton County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.