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When to Plant Scallions in Hillsdale County, MI

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.

Hillsdale County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.

At an elevation of 1,173 feet, Hillsdale County receives approximately 41.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Hillsdale County, MI (Zone 5b) Moderate season
168 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
168 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Hillsdale County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (81 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Jul 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Jul 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (78 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 11 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Aug 8

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 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 2,310 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Hillsdale County, MI

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 13
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 โ€“ May 6
Fall Sowing August 5 Aug 5 โ€“ Aug 19
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Jul 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

168 days

Growing Tips for Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale County, MI?

Hillsdale County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hillsdale County, MI?

Hillsdale County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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