Georgia’s long growing season allows for scallions to be planted in both early spring and late summer. Knowing the best time to plant scallion in georgia ensures you get a steady harvest of fresh, crisp green onions. This guide covers everything from soil temperature to variety selection, so you can plant with confidence.
Scallions, also called green onions or bunching onions, are one of the easiest crops for Georgia gardeners. They grow fast, take up little space, and tolerate both cool and warm weather. The key is timing your planting to avoid extreme heat or cold.
Best Time To Plant Scallion In Georgia
The ideal planting windows for scallions in Georgia are early spring (February to April) and late summer (August to September). These periods offer mild temperatures and consistent moisture, which scallions need for strong root and leaf development. In most of Georgia, you can plant scallions from seed or sets during these windows.
Georgia is divided into USDA hardiness zones 6a through 9a. This means planting dates vary slightly by region. Northern Georgia (zones 6-7) has cooler springs and earlier falls. Southern Georgia (zones 8-9) warms up faster and stays warm longer.
Spring Planting Window
For spring planting, wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 45°F (7°C). Scallion seeds germinate best between 50°F and 75°F. In northern Georgia, this usually happens in mid-March. In southern Georgia, you can start as early as mid-February.
- Northern Georgia: March 15 to April 15
- Central Georgia: March 1 to April 1
- Southern Georgia: February 15 to March 15
Plant scallion seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in well-drained soil. Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart once they are 2 inches tall. This gives each plant room to develop thick stems.
If you use scallion sets (small bulbs), plant them 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Sets establish faster than seeds, but seeds give you more variety choices.
Fall Planting Window
Fall planting is ideal for a second harvest before winter. Plant scallions 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected frost. In Georgia, this means August to September. The cooler autumn temperatures help scallions develop sweet, mild flavor.
- Northern Georgia: August 15 to September 15
- Central Georgia: September 1 to October 1
- Southern Georgia: September 15 to October 15
Fall-planted scallions can be harvested until the first hard freeze. In southern Georgia, you may even overwinter them with light protection like row covers. Mulch around plants to keep soil temperature stable and reduce weeds.
Summer Planting Considerations
Summer planting is possible but challenging in Georgia’s heat. Scallions bolt (go to seed) quickly when temperatures stay above 85°F. If you want scallions in summer, choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Evergreen Hardy White’ or ‘Nabechan’. Plant them in partial shade and keep soil consistently moist.
For summer harvests, plant seeds in late April or early May. Expect slower growth and smaller plants. Water deeply in the morning to reduce stress. Harvest scallions when they are pencil-thick, usually 60 to 80 days after planting.
Soil Preparation For Scallions
Scallions grow best in loose, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Georgia’s native soil is often clay-heavy or sandy. Amend it with compost or aged manure before planting. This improves drainage and adds nutrients.
- Test your soil pH. You can buy a kit at a garden center or send a sample to your county extension office.
- Add lime if pH is below 6.0. Add sulfur if pH is above 7.0.
- Mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost into the top 6 inches of soil.
- Rake the bed smooth. Remove rocks and debris.
Raised beds work well for scallions because they warm up faster in spring. They also drain better in Georgia’s rainy periods. If you garden in clay soil, raised beds are a good choice.
Fertilizing Scallions
Scallions are light feeders but benefit from a balanced fertilizer. Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting time. Use 1 pound per 100 square feet. Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer when plants are 4 inches tall. This encourages leafy growth.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause lush foliage but thin stems. Organic options include fish emulsion or compost tea applied every 2 weeks.
Watering And Mulching
Scallions need consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week. In Georgia’s hot summers, you may need to water more often. Drip irrigation is ideal because it keeps leaves dry and reduces disease.
Mulch around plants with straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves. Mulch keeps soil cool, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. Apply a 2-inch layer after planting.
Common Pests And Diseases
Scallions in Georgia face few serious pests. Onion thrips and onion maggots can be problems. Thrips are tiny insects that suck sap from leaves, causing silver streaks. Onion maggots attack the roots and bulbs.
- Use row covers to protect young plants from thrips.
- Rotate crops every year to reduce onion maggot buildup.
- Remove plant debris after harvest to break pest cycles.
Fungal diseases like downy mildew and purple blotch occur in wet weather. Space plants properly for air circulation. Water at the base, not overhead. If you see signs of disease, remove affected plants immediately.
Harvesting Scallions
Scallions are ready to harvest when stems are 6 to 8 inches tall and about 1/2 inch thick. This takes 60 to 80 days from seed, or 30 to 40 days from sets. Harvest by pulling the entire plant from the soil. Rinse off dirt and use fresh.
You can also harvest scallions as “green onions” earlier, when they are thinner. For a continuous supply, plant seeds every 2 to 3 weeks during the planting windows. This is called succession planting.
Storing Fresh Scallions
Fresh scallions keep in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag. Or stand them upright in a jar with 1 inch of water, covered with a plastic bag. Change the water every few days.
You can also freeze scallions. Chop them into small pieces and freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen scallions work best in cooked dishes, not salads.
Varieties For Georgia
Choose scallion varieties that perform well in Georgia’s climate. Here are top picks:
- ‘Evergreen Hardy White’: Cold-tolerant, good for fall planting. Produces thick, white stems.
- ‘Nabechan’: Japanese variety, heat-tolerant. Great for summer planting.
- ‘Red Beard’: Red stems, mild flavor. Attractive in salads.
- ‘White Lisbon’: Classic scallion, reliable in spring and fall.
- ‘Tokyo Long White’: Long, slender stems. Very productive.
All of these varieties are open-pollinated, so you can save seeds for next season. Hybrid varieties are also available but may not breed true.
Succession Planting Schedule
To have scallions all season, follow this schedule for Georgia:
- February 15 to March 15: Plant first spring batch (south Georgia only).
- March 15 to April 15: Plant main spring batch (all regions).
- May 1 to May 15: Plant heat-tolerant varieties for summer harvest.
- August 15 to September 15: Plant fall batch (north and central).
- September 15 to October 15: Plant fall batch (south Georgia).
Adjust dates based on your local weather. If a late frost is forecast, cover young plants with a frost blanket. Scallions can survive light frosts but not hard freezes.
Container Gardening For Scallions
Scallions grow well in containers. Use a pot at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill with potting mix enriched with compost. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Thin to 2 inches apart after germination.
Place the container in a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. In Georgia’s hot summers, move containers to partial shade in the afternoon. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Container-grown scallions may need more frequent fertilizing. Use a liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion every 2 weeks. Harvest as you would in the ground.
Companion Planting
Scallions are good companions for many vegetables. They repel pests like aphids and carrot flies. Plant scallions near carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. Avoid planting near beans and peas, which can stunt scallion growth.
In Georgia’s garden, scallions also work well as a border crop. They take up little space and add a vertical element. Interplant them with slower-growing crops like broccoli or cabbage.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with scallions. Here are common ones in Georgia:
- Planting too deep: Scallion seeds need light to germinate. Plant no deeper than 1/2 inch.
- Overcrowding: Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart. Crowded plants produce thin, weak stems.
- Planting in heavy clay: Scallions need loose soil. Amend clay with compost or use raised beds.
- Ignoring soil pH: Scallions prefer slightly acidic soil. Test and adjust if needed.
- Watering inconsistently: Scallions need steady moisture. Drought stress causes tough, bitter stems.
Avoid these pitfalls, and you will have a bountiful scallion harvest.
Seasonal Care Tips
Spring Care
In spring, watch for late frosts. Cover young plants if temperatures drop below 28°F. Apply a light fertilizer when plants are 4 inches tall. Weed regularly, as scallions do not compete well with weeds.
Summer Care
Summer heat stresses scallions. Water deeply in the morning. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch to keep roots cool. Harvest promptly when stems reach desired size. Overmature scallions become tough and may bolt.
Fall Care
Fall-planted scallions grow slowly as days shorten. They tolerate light frosts. In northern Georgia, cover plants with row covers if a hard freeze is predicted. Harvest before the ground freezes solid.
Winter Care
In southern Georgia, scallions can overwinter with protection. Mulch heavily with straw or leaves. In northern Georgia, it is better to harvest all scallions before winter. You can also plant scallions in a cold frame for winter harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant scallions in Georgia in the winter?
Winter planting is not recommended in most of Georgia. Soil temperatures are too cold for germination. In southern Georgia, you can plant in late fall for a winter harvest with protection.
How long does it take scallions to grow in Georgia?
From seed, scallions take 60 to 80 days. From sets, 30 to 40 days. Growth is faster in spring and fall, slower in summer heat.
What is the best scallion variety for Georgia heat?
‘Nabechan’ and ‘Evergreen Hardy White’ are heat-tolerant. They perform well in Georgia’s summer conditions.
Should I soak scallion seeds before planting?
Soaking is not necessary but can speed germination. Soak seeds in water for 12 hours before planting. Drain and plant immediately.
Can scallions be grown in partial shade in Georgia?
Yes, scallions tolerate partial shade, especially in summer. They need at least 4 hours of sun daily. Full sun produces the best growth.
Planting scallions at the right time makes all the difference. Georgia’s climate gives you two main windows: early spring and late summer. Follow the guidelines here, and you will enjoy fresh scallions from your garden for months. Start with soil preparation, choose the right variety, and water consistently. With a little care, scallions are one of the most rewarding crops you can grow.