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When to Plant Scallions in Portsmouth City, VA

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.

Portsmouth City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.

At an elevation of 594 feet, Portsmouth City receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Portsmouth City, VA (Zone 8a) Long season
240 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
240 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Portsmouth City Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (154 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 9 Transplant: Mar 16 🍅 Harvest: May 11 – Jun 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (156 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jun 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (140 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Jul 16

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 577 gal / 100 sq ft
Scallions needs ~1,185 GDD — county provides 4,740 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Portsmouth City, VA

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 โ€“ Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 โ€“ Apr 5
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 29
Fall Sowing September 8 Sep 8 โ€“ Sep 22
Harvest May 17 May 17 โ€“ Jun 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
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 8a

Growing Season

240 days

Growing Tips for Portsmouth City

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 Portsmouth City, VA?

Portsmouth City is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Portsmouth City, VA?

Portsmouth City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Portsmouth City gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Portsmouth City, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.