Scallions are the fastest onion in the garden — sow in late winter, pick in late spring, and keep sowing all season for a never-ending supply. This guide covers when to plant scallions zone 7 in detail: the sowing, transplanting and harvest windows for USDA Zone 7, plus spacing, soil, water, companions, pests and storage — all based on USDA zone averages and standard published crop ranges.
Zone 7 covers areas with average annual minimum temperatures of 0 to 10°F. The average last spring frost falls in the Mar 15–Apr 1 range and the average first autumn frost in the Nov 1–15 range. These are USDA zone averages, not exact dates for any one garden — check your local extension service and the forecast before planting tender crops outside. The frost-free season runs roughly seven months, from late March into early November,
When to plant scallions in Zone 7
Sow scallions directly from late February onwards, as soon as the soil can be worked — they are hardy and germinate in cool soil. Sow thinly in rows about a foot apart, and repeat every two to three weeks through the season so there is always a fresh batch coming on. Germination takes 7–14 days.
The table below puts the whole season on one page. All dates are ranges worked back from the Zone 7 frost averages (Mar 15–Apr 1 last frost, Nov 1–15 first frost) and the crop's published days to maturity (60–70 days). Use the frost date calculator to check the averages for your own area, and confirm them with your local extension service.
| Stage | Zone 7 window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Start indoors | — (direct sow; they grow fast) | Germination takes 7–14 days |
| Direct sow outdoors | Late Feb–Apr, then repeat sowings every 2–3 weeks until Sep | Sow into moist, prepared soil |
| Transplant outdoors | — | Harden seedlings off first |
| First harvest | May–Nov, 60–70 days after sowing | 60–70 days to maturity |
| Autumn / second sowing | Sow Aug–Sep for autumn bunches | Count back from the first frost |
Starting and planting
Scallions need little: full sun, soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0, and steady moisture while young. Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart, and mulch lightly to keep the soil cool and moist. They grow well in containers and in the gaps between slower crops, making them ideal for small Zone 7 gardens.
Before sowing, fork the bed over, remove weeds and stones, and dig in well-rotted compost. Scallions grows best at a soil pH of 6.0–7.0 — test your soil through your local extension service before amending it.
Spacing, sun and soil
Space plants 2–3 inches apart. Crowded plants compete for light, water and nutrients, stay small, and invite disease through poor airflow, so thin seedlings to the final spacing once they are established.
This crop needs full sun — at least six hours of direct sun a day, and more is better. In Zone 7, a south-facing bed or an open spot away from trees and fences gives the strongest growth and the best flavour.
Soil should be deep, fertile and free-draining, with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Heavy clay improves with compost and organic matter, and raised beds help where drainage is poor.
Watering
Water needs are moderate: aim for steady, even moisture rather than feast-and-famine watering. About an inch of water a week from rain or irrigation is a useful guide in most Zone 7 summers, more in hot, dry spells. Water at the base of the plant in the morning, mulch to hold moisture, and avoid wetting the leaves, which invites disease.
Companion planting
Good companions for scallions include marigolds, basil, onions, lettuce. Planting companions nearby can help with pest confusion, pollination and making the most of bed space — marigolds, for example, are a classic companion across the vegetable garden. The companion planting finder can suggest combinations for your whole bed. Avoid planting scallions where others of the same family (Amaryllidaceae) grew last year: rotate crops each season to reduce soil-borne disease and pest build-up.
Common pests and problems
Watch for aphids, slugs, cutworms. - Aphids — inspect weekly; hand-pick or wash off with water, and encourage natural predators.
- Slugs — inspect weekly; hand-pick or wash off with water, and encourage natural predators.
- Cutworms — inspect weekly; hand-pick or wash off with water, and encourage natural predators.
Beyond pests, the main problems are weather-related: a late frost after transplanting, drought at a critical stage, or waterlogged soil after heavy rain. Cover tender plants with frost cloth if a late frost threatens, and mulch to even out soil moisture.
Harvest and storage
Pull scallions when the stems are pencil-thick, about 60–70 days after sowing — or pick them younger as green onions. Harvest by pulling gently after watering, so the roots come cleanly. Regular picking keeps the bed productive, and a late-August sowing gives autumn bunches before the first frosts.
Scallions are best used fresh and keep for about a week in the fridge. Chopped green tops freeze well, and a few plants left to flower will self-seed for next year.
The classic Zone 7 mistake with scallions is sowing once and stopping. One sowing gives one flush — little-and-often sowing every few weeks is what keeps scallions on the table all season.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant scallions in Zone 7?
Sow scallions directly from late February onwards, as soon as the soil can be worked — they are hardy and germinate in cool soil. Work from the table above, using the average last frost (Mar 15–Apr 1) and first frost (Nov 1–15), with 60–70 days to maturity. These are USDA zone averages, not exact dates for any one garden — check your local extension service and the forecast before planting tender crops outside.
How much sun does scallions need in Zone 7?
Full Sun — at least six hours of direct sun a day where possible. Give it the sunniest spot you have.
What soil pH does scallions prefer?
A pH of 6.0–7.0. Test your soil before amending it, and add compost to improve structure whatever the pH. Your local extension service can test a sample and recommend amendments.
What pests attack scallions in Zone 7?
The most common are aphids, slugs, cutworms. Inspect plants weekly, hand-pick larger pests, wash small ones off with water, and keep the bed clean and well-spaced so air circulates.
How do I store scallions after harvest?
Scallions are best used fresh and keep for about a week in the fridge. Chopped green tops freeze well, and a few plants left to flower will self-seed for next year.
See the Zone 7 April planting guide for what else to sow and plant in the same month, browse the full planting calendar, and try the Seed Spacing Calculator to plan your dates. For a related crop, see when to plant shallots in Zone 7.