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When to Plant Scallions in White 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.

White County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.

At an elevation of 788 feet, White County receives approximately 30.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

White County, IL (Zone 6a) Long season
202 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
202 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

White County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jun 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Jul 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Jul 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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 789 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Scallions needs ~825 GDD — county provides 2,777 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” White County, IL

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 4 Mar 4 โ€“ Mar 18
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 15
Fall Sowing August 18 Aug 18 โ€“ Sep 1
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jul 1

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 Fall Sowing
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 6a

Growing Season

202 days

Growing Tips for White 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 White County, IL?

White County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is White County, IL?

White County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help White County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 White County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.