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When to Plant Scallions in Kalkaska 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.

Kalkaska County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 686 feet, Kalkaska County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Scallions to ensure they mature before fall.

Kalkaska County, MI (Zone 5a) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Kalkaska County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (72 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Jul 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (74 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 3 Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Jul 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (74 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 26 Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Aug 23

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 251 gal / 100 sq ft
Scallions needs ~780 GDD — county provides 2,054 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Kalkaska County, MI

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 17
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 22
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 15
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 โ€“ Aug 18
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 โ€“ Jul 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
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 5a

Growing Season

158 days

Growing Tips for Kalkaska 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 Kalkaska County, MI?

Kalkaska County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kalkaska County, MI?

Kalkaska County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 13.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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