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When to Plant Scallions in Pulaski County, 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.

Pulaski County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 529 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Pulaski County, VA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Pulaski County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (97 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Jul 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (90 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 7 Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 4

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 Pulaski County

How your county's soil matches Scallions's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4โ€“6.8) overlaps with Scallions's range (6.0โ€“7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Scallions โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Scallions.

How to Plant Scallions

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Scallions

4
successive plantings in your 181-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 โ€” 4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 4.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 4.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 4.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Pulaski County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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 needs ~825 GDD — county provides 2,488 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline โ€” Pulaski County, VA

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 30
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 โ€“ Jul 16
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 โ€“ Aug 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 Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

181 days in Pulaski County

Growing Tips for Scallions in Pulaski County

Direct sow Scallions outdoors after April 23 in Pulaski 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.

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

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scallions in Pulaski County, VA?

Pulaski County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pulaski County, VA?

Pulaski County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pulaski County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pulaski County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.