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When to Plant Scallions in Wilkinson County, MS

Wilkinson County, Mississippi Zone 8a April

This month in Wilkinson County, Mississippi

April is a pivotal month for Wilkinson County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost March 3
Avg. first frost November 23
Soil temp (4") 62°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 12.8 hrs
  1. Sow scallions in trays indoors

    You're about 29 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.

  2. Start harvesting scallions

    Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.

A few tasks this April that'll pay off in May
  • 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.

Wilkinson County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 265 days.

At an elevation of 379 feet, Wilkinson County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°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.

Wilkinson County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
265 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
265 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Wilkinson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (188 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 13 Transplant: Feb 17 🍅 Harvest: Apr 14 – May 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (181 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 27 Transplant: Mar 3 🍅 Harvest: Apr 28 – May 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (182 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jun 14

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 Wilkinson County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) is more acidic than Scallions prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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

6
successive plantings in your 265-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 14 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 14.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 333 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 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wilkinson 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 ~1,230 GDD — county provides 5,432 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline — Wilkinson County, MS

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 27 Jan 27 – Feb 10
Transplant Outdoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Direct Sow February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 10
Harvest April 28 Apr 28 – May 26
Fall Sowing September 14 Sep 14 – Sep 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

265 days in Wilkinson County

Growing Tips for Scallions in Wilkinson County

Direct sow Scallions outdoors after March 03 in Wilkinson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Wilkinson County's clay soil (32% 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 Wilkinson County, MS?

Wilkinson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wilkinson County, MS?

Wilkinson County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 23.

🌱

Your Wilkinson County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Wilkinson County (Zone 8a). 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 Wilkinson County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.

Sources & credits

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