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When to Plant Scallions in Appling County, GA

Appling County, Georgia Zone 9a May

What to do in May

Welcome to May in Zone 9a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost March 11
Avg. first frost November 19
Soil temp (4") 72°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.6 hrs
  1. Pick scallions

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

Looking ahead to June
  • First harvests: scallions

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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.

Appling County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 285 feet, Appling County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Scallions, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scallions root diseases.

Appling County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 11
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 19

Appling County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (172 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Mar 1 🍅 Harvest: Apr 26 – May 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (169 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: May 6 – Jun 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (172 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jun 20

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 Appling County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Scallions prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Appling 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

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

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Scallions

6
successive plantings in your 253-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 10 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 24.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 437 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Appling 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 needs ~1,140 GDD — county provides 4,807 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline — Appling County, GA

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Direct Sow February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 11
Harvest May 6 May 6 – Jun 3
Fall Sowing September 24 Sep 24 – Oct 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

253 days in Appling County

Growing Tips for Scallions in Appling County

Direct sow Scallions outdoors after March 11 in Appling County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Appling County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Scallions. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

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 Appling County, GA?

Appling County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Appling County, GA?

Appling County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 19.

🌱

Your Appling County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Appling County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Appling County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

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