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When to plant Scallions in Perry County, IL

Spring Scallions in Perry County goes in March 26–April 16, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Scallions in Perry County, IL

Perry County, Illinois Zone 7a July

July in Perry County, Illinois — your action list

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Perry County, Illinois this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost April 9
Avg. first frost October 20
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.4 hrs
  1. It's harvest week for scallions

    Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.

A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
  • Fall sowing: 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.

Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 806 feet, Perry County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Perry County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Scallions Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Jul 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Jul 13

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 Perry County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Scallions's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Perry County is excellent for Scallions — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Scallions will thrive.

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 194-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.

Scallions 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 347 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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Perry 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 ~825 GDD — county provides 2,667 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline — Perry County, IL

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 – Jul 2
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Perry County

Growing Tips for Scallions in Perry County

Direct sow Scallions outdoors after April 09 in Perry 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 Perry County, IL?

Perry County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, IL?

Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Scallions in Perry County, IL?

In Perry County, IL, plant Scallions after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Perry County, IL for Scallions?

Perry County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Scallions grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Scallions grow in Perry County's climate?

Yes — Scallions grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Perry County (Zone 7a). 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 Perry County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.