When to Plant Scallions in Kiowa County, CO
This month in Kiowa County, Colorado
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Kiowa County, Colorado.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: scallions
- First harvests: scallions
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.
Kiowa County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 7,992 feet, Kiowa County receives approximately 19.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scallions to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Scallions successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Kiowa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-8
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 Kiowa County
How your county's soil matches Scallions's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–8.0) is more alkaline than Scallions prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kiowa County is excellent for Scallions — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Scallions.
How to Plant Scallions
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Scallions
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 31.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kiowa 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 — Kiowa County, CO
Scallions Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Kiowa County
Growing Tips for Scallions in Kiowa County
Direct sow Scallions outdoors after April 29 in Kiowa 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.
Kiowa County receives only 19" 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 Kiowa County, CO?
Kiowa County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kiowa County, CO?
Kiowa County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Kiowa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kiowa County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.