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When to Plant Scallions in Wharton County, TX

Wharton County, Texas Zone 9a May

This month in Wharton County, Texas

May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Wharton County, Texas.

Avg. last frost February 17
Avg. first frost December 6
Soil temp (4") 76°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.5 hrs
  1. Basket week: scallions

    Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.

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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.

Wharton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.

At an elevation of 207 feet, Wharton County receives approximately 64.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Scallions may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Scallions root diseases.

Wharton County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
292 days
Last Spring Frost February 17
292 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Wharton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (211 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 8 Transplant: Feb 5 🍅 Harvest: Apr 2 – Apr 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (208 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 20 Transplant: Feb 17 🍅 Harvest: Apr 14 – May 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (200 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jun 4

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 Wharton County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) is more alkaline than Scallions prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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

7
successive plantings in your 292-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 27 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 11.

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 185 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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Wharton 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 ~1,410 GDD — county provides 6,885 GDD Excellent fit

Scallions Planting Timeline — Wharton County, TX

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 20 Jan 20 – Feb 3
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Direct Sow January 27 Jan 27 – Feb 17
Harvest April 14 Apr 14 – May 12
Fall Sowing October 11 Oct 11 – Oct 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
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_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

292 days in Wharton County

Growing Tips for Scallions in Wharton County

Direct sow Scallions outdoors after February 17 in Wharton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With summer highs reaching 98°F in Wharton County, provide afternoon shade for Scallions and water deeply in the morning.

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 Wharton County, TX?

Wharton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wharton County, TX?

Wharton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 6.

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Your Wharton County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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