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When to Plant Scallions in Macon 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.

Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 1,064 feet, Macon County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Macon County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jun 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Jul 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 20 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Jul 17

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 1-2 times/week
Season total 512 gal / 100 sq ft
Scallions needs ~870 GDD — county provides 2,740 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Macon County, IL

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ Apr 27
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 โ€“ Apr 20
Fall Sowing August 10 Aug 10 โ€“ Aug 24
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 โ€“ Jul 6

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

189 days

Growing Tips for Macon 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 Macon County, IL?

Macon County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macon County, IL?

Macon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Macon 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 Macon County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.