When to Plant Scallions in Dawson County, MT
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.
Dawson County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 6,445 feet, Dawson County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scallions to ensure they mature before fall.
Dawson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Dawson County
How your county's soil matches Scallions's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.2) is more alkaline than Scallions prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Dawson County is excellent for Scallions — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Scallions.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Scallions.
How to Plant Scallions
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Scallions
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 30.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Scallions
Scallions needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Scallions Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dawson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Scallions Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Scallions Planting Timeline — Dawson County, MT
Scallions Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
131 days in Dawson County
Growing Tips for Scallions in Dawson County
Direct sow Scallions outdoors after May 14 in Dawson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Scallions in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Dawson County receives only 22" of rain annually. Scallions needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Scallions in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scallions in Dawson County, MT?
Dawson County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dawson County, MT?
Dawson County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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