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When to Plant Scallions in Tuscola 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.

Tuscola County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 1,369 feet, Tuscola County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Tuscola County, MI (Zone 5b) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Tuscola County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (77 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Jul 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (82 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 29 Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Jul 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (80 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 14 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Aug 11

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 345 gal / 100 sq ft
Scallions needs ~870 GDD — county provides 2,407 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Tuscola County, MI

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17
Direct Sow April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 10
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 โ€“ Aug 21
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Jul 26

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 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

166 days

Growing Tips for Tuscola 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 Tuscola County, MI?

Tuscola County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tuscola County, MI?

Tuscola County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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