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When to Plant Scallions in Elko County, NV

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.

Elko County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 5 and the first fall frost is September 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 102 days.

At an elevation of 5,859 feet, Elko County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Scallions will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Scallions successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Elko County, NV (Zone 5b) Short season
102 days
Last Spring Frost June 5
102 growing days
First Fall Frost September 15

Elko County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 21 Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Aug 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 1 Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Aug 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 14 Transplant: Jun 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Sep 10

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 739 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Scallions needs ~1,140 GDD — county provides 1,938 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Elko County, NV

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 15
Transplant Outdoors June 5 Jun 5 โ€“ Jun 19
Direct Sow May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 12
Fall Sowing July 7 Jul 7 โ€“ Jul 21
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 โ€“ Aug 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Start Indoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August 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

102 days

Growing Tips for Elko 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scallions in Elko County, NV?

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

What planting zone is Elko County, NV?

Elko County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 5 and first fall frost is September 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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