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When to Plant Scallions in Manistee 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.

Manistee County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 949 feet, Manistee County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Manistee County, MI (Zone 5b) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Manistee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (73 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Jul 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (81 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 16 Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Aug 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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Scallions needs ~915 GDD — county provides 2,363 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Manistee County, MI

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 19
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 โ€“ May 24
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 17
Fall Sowing August 3 Aug 3 โ€“ Aug 17
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 โ€“ Aug 2

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 Harvest
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

155 days

Growing Tips for Manistee 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 Manistee County, MI?

Manistee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Manistee County, MI?

Manistee County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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