When to Plant Scallions in Cavalier County, ND
Your May game plan for Cavalier County, North Dakota
Welcome to May in Zone 3b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Plant out scallions
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Put scallions seeds straight in the ground
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: 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.
Cavalier County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 138 days.
At an elevation of 568 feet, Cavalier County receives approximately 27.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scallions to ensure they mature before fall.
Cavalier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.4
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 Cavalier County
How your county's soil matches Scallions's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.4) is more alkaline than Scallions prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cavalier 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
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Scallions
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 06.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Cavalier 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 — Cavalier County, ND
Scallions Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
138 days in Cavalier County
Growing Tips for Scallions in Cavalier County
Direct sow Scallions outdoors after May 13 in Cavalier 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Scallions in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scallions in Cavalier County, ND?
Cavalier County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cavalier County, ND?
Cavalier County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Cavalier County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cavalier County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.