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When to Plant Scallions in Dane County, WI

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.

Dane County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 649 feet, Dane County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Scallions during the growing season.

Dane County, WI (Zone 5b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Dane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dane County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Scallions Planting Timeline — Dane County, WI

Scallions Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Jul 23
Fall Sowing July 31 Jul 31 – Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Dane County

Growing Tips for Dane County

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 Dane County, WI?

Dane County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Scallions planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dane County, WI?

Dane County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 9.

🌱

Your Dane County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dane County (Zone 5b). 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 Dane County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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