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When to Plant Scallions in Brazos County, TX

Brazos County, Texas Zone 9a May

This month in Brazos County, Texas

Your garden in Brazos County, Texas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.

Avg. last frost March 4
Avg. first frost November 25
Soil temp (4") 72°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.6 hrs
  1. Harvest scallions as they ripen

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

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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.

Brazos County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.

At an elevation of 74 feet, Brazos County receives approximately 63.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 91°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.

Brazos County, TX (Zone 9a) Long season
266 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
266 growing days
First Fall Frost November 25

Brazos County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (183 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 22 Transplant: Feb 19 🍅 Harvest: Apr 16 – May 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (182 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Mar 4 🍅 Harvest: Apr 29 – May 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (170 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Jun 28

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 Brazos County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Scallions prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

Heavy clay soil (44% clay) in Brazos County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Scallions.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 266-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 16 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 30.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Brazos 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 ~1,095 GDD — county provides 4,854 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline — Brazos County, TX

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 – Mar 4
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 – May 27
Fall Sowing September 30 Sep 30 – Oct 14

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 Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

266 days in Brazos County

Growing Tips for Scallions in Brazos County

Direct sow Scallions outdoors after March 04 in Brazos County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Brazos County's clay soil (44% 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 Brazos County, TX?

Brazos County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brazos County, TX?

Brazos County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 25.

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Your Brazos County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Brazos 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 Brazos County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

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