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When to Plant Scallions in Torrance County, NM

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.

Torrance County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.

At an elevation of 5,941 feet, Torrance County receives approximately 13.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, 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.

Torrance County, NM (Zone 6b) Moderate season
150 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
150 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Torrance County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.8-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Jul 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 25 Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Aug 22

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
0.4″/week
You supply
1.1″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,459 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Scallions needs ~915 GDD — county provides 2,287 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Torrance County, NM

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 July 29 Jul 29 โ€“ Aug 12
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 Fall Sowing 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 6b

Growing Season

150 days

Growing Tips for Torrance 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 Torrance County, NM?

Torrance County is in Zone 6b 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 Torrance County, NM?

Torrance County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Torrance County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Torrance County, NM. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.