Pennsylvania gardeners should plant scallions in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked. The best time to plant scallion in pennsylvania is typically between late March and mid-April, depending on your specific region and the last frost date. Scallions are cold-hardy and can tolerate light frosts, making them one of the first crops you can put in the ground each year.
Scallions, also known as green onions or spring onions, are a staple in many kitchens. They grow quickly and take up little space. You can harvest them in as little as 60 days from seed, or even sooner if you start with sets or transplants.
In Pennsylvania, the growing season varies by zone. The state spans USDA hardiness zones 5a to 7b. This means planting times can shift by a few weeks depending on where you live. But the general rule stays the same: plant early, and plant often.
Best Time To Plant Scallion In Pennsylvania
The ideal window for planting scallions in Pennsylvania is early spring, as soon as the soil is workable and temperatures stay above 40°F. For most of the state, this falls between March 20 and April 15. If you miss this window, don’t worry. You can also plant in late summer for a fall harvest.
Scallions prefer cool weather. They grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. Heat causes them to bolt, or flower, which makes the bulbs tough and the greens bitter. That’s why early spring planting is so important.
Here is a quick breakdown by region in Pennsylvania:
- Eastern Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading): Plant from late March to early April.
- Central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg, State College, Lancaster): Plant from early to mid-April.
- Western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh, Erie, Johnstown): Plant from mid-April to late April.
- Northern Pennsylvania (Scranton, Williamsport, Bradford): Plant from late April to early May.
Always check your local frost dates. The last spring frost in Pennsylvania can occur as late as May 10 in northern areas. Scallions can handle a light frost, but a hard freeze below 28°F can damage them. Use row covers if a late freeze is predicted.
Why Early Spring Is The Best Window
Planting scallions early gives them time to establish roots before the heat of summer. Cool soil temperatures, around 50°F to 65°F, encourage strong root growth. The plants also face fewer pests early in the season.
Another reason is day length. Scallions are day-neutral, meaning they don’t rely on long days to bulb. But they do grow faster in the longer days of late spring. By planting early, you take advantage of this natural growth spurt.
If you plant too late, say in June, the scallions may bolt quickly. The bulbs become woody, and the greens lose their mild flavor. You can still eat them, but they won’t be as tender.
Fall Planting For A Second Harvest
You can also plant scallions in late summer for a fall harvest. The best time for this is from mid-August to early September. This gives the plants 6 to 8 weeks of cool weather before the first hard frost.
Fall-planted scallions are often sweeter because the cool temperatures increase sugar content. They also face fewer insect problems. In mild winters, you can even overwinter them with a thick layer of mulch.
For fall planting, choose a variety that matures quickly, such as ‘Evergreen White’ or ‘Red Beard’. These can be ready in 60 days or less.
How To Plant Scallions In Pennsylvania Soil
Scallions are not picky about soil, but they do best in loose, well-drained loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Pennsylvania soils are often clay-heavy, especially in the southeastern part of the state. You may need to amend your soil with compost or aged manure to improve drainage.
Follow these steps for successful planting:
- Prepare the bed. Remove weeds and rocks. Loosen the soil to a depth of 8 inches. Mix in a 2-inch layer of compost.
- Test the soil temperature. Use a soil thermometer. Wait until the soil is at least 45°F at a 2-inch depth.
- Sow seeds directly. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Rows should be 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Water gently. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days.
- Thin seedlings. Once they are 2 inches tall, thin to 2 to 3 inches apart. This gives each plant room to grow.
If you prefer a head start, you can start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Use a seed-starting mix and keep them under grow lights. Transplant outdoors when the soil is workable.
Choosing The Right Scallion Variety
Not all scallions are the same. Some varieties are better suited for Pennsylvania’s climate. Here are top picks:
- ‘Evergreen White’: A classic, hardy variety that resists bolting. Great for spring and fall.
- ‘Red Beard’: Adds color to dishes. Mild flavor and fast growth.
- ‘Nabechan’: A Japanese variety with thick, tender stalks. Excellent for raw eating.
- ‘Ishikura’: Produces long, white shafts. Very cold-tolerant.
- ‘Parade’: A hybrid that matures in 60 days. Uniform and disease-resistant.
For the best results, plant a mix of early and late varieties. This extends your harvest season.
Caring For Scallions Throughout The Season
Scallions are low-maintenance, but they do need consistent care. Here’s what to focus on:
Watering
Scallions need about 1 inch of water per week. In Pennsylvania, spring rains often provide enough moisture. But if you have a dry spell, water deeply once a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose instead.
Fertilizing
Scallions are light feeders. Too much nitrogen makes the greens lush but the bulbs small. Apply a balanced fertilizer, like 10-10-10, at planting time. Side-dress with compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer once the plants are 6 inches tall.
Weeding
Weeds compete with scallions for nutrients and water. Keep the bed weed-free by hand-pulling or using a shallow hoe. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Pest And Disease Management
Common pests in Pennsylvania include onion thrips, onion maggots, and aphids. To prevent them:
- Rotate crops each year. Don’t plant scallions where other alliums grew the previous season.
- Use row covers to exclude pests.
- Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if you see thrips or aphids.
- Remove any plants that show signs of disease, such as yellowing or stunted growth.
Diseases like downy mildew and purple blotch can occur in wet conditions. Space plants properly for good air circulation. Water at the base of the plants, not on the leaves.
Harvesting Scallions At The Right Time
You can harvest scallions as soon as they are large enough to use. This is usually when the stalks are 6 to 8 inches tall and about the thickness of a pencil. For bulb-forming varieties, wait until the bulb is about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Harvest by pulling the entire plant from the soil. If the soil is loose, you can gently pull them by hand. For tighter soil, use a garden fork to loosen the roots first. Rinse off the dirt and trim the roots.
Scallions are best used fresh. They lose flavor quickly after harvest. Store them in the refrigerator with the roots wrapped in a damp paper towel. They will keep for about a week.
If you want a continuous supply, plant a new batch every 3 to 4 weeks. This is called succession planting. It ensures you always have scallions ready to harvest.
Extending The Harvest Into Fall
In Pennsylvania, you can keep harvesting scallions well into October. Plant a fall crop in late August. As temperatures cool, the plants will grow slowly but steadily. Cover them with a floating row cover if a hard frost is expected.
You can also overwinter scallions. In mild winters, they will survive under a thick layer of straw or mulch. In spring, they will start growing again before most other plants. This gives you an early harvest the following year.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with scallions. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them:
- Planting too deep. Scallion seeds are tiny. Plant them only 1/4 inch deep. Deeper planting reduces germination.
- Overcrowding. Thin seedlings to 2 to 3 inches apart. Crowded plants produce thin, weak stalks.
- Watering too little. Scallions need consistent moisture. Dry soil causes them to bolt.
- Ignoring soil pH. If your soil is too acidic, scallions will struggle. Add lime if needed.
- Planting in heavy shade. Scallions need full sun, at least 6 hours per day. Partial shade leads to leggy growth.
Another mistake is forgetting to harden off transplants. If you start seeds indoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over a week. This prevents transplant shock.
Scallion Companion Planting In Pennsylvania
Scallions are excellent companions for many vegetables. They repel pests like carrot flies and aphids. Plant them near carrots, beets, lettuce, and tomatoes. Avoid planting them near beans and peas, as scallions can stunt their growth.
In Pennsylvania gardens, scallions also work well with herbs like dill and parsley. They attract beneficial insects that prey on common pests. This reduces the need for chemical controls.
Consider interplanting scallions with slower-growing crops. For example, plant scallions between rows of broccoli or cabbage. By the time the larger plants need space, the scallions will be ready to harvest.
Growing Scallions In Containers
If you have limited space, scallions grow well in containers. Use a pot that is at least 6 inches deep and has drainage holes. Fill it with a high-quality potting mix.
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Keep the soil moist and place the container in full sun. Container-grown scallions may need more frequent watering, especially in summer.
You can also regrow scallions from kitchen scraps. Place the root ends in a glass of water. Change the water every few days. After a week, you will see new growth. Transplant them into soil for a continuous harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant scallions in the fall in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can plant scallions in late summer for a fall harvest. The best time is mid-August to early September. They will grow until the first hard frost.
How late can I plant scallions in Pennsylvania?
You can plant scallions as late as early September for a fall harvest. For spring planting, wait until the soil is workable, usually by mid-April in most areas.
Do scallions need full sun?
Yes, scallions need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They will grow in partial shade, but the stalks will be thinner and less flavorful.
Can I plant scallions from store-bought ones?
Yes, you can regrow scallions from the root ends. Place them in water until roots form, then transplant to soil. This works best with organic scallions that haven’t been treated with growth inhibitors.
What is the best scallion variety for Pennsylvania?
‘Evergreen White’ and ‘Red Beard’ are excellent choices. They are cold-hardy, resist bolting, and produce tender stalks.
Final Tips For Pennsylvania Gardeners
Pennsylvania’s climate is ideal for scallions. The cool springs and mild falls allow for two growing seasons. Start early in spring, and plant again in late summer for a second harvest.
Keep an eye on the weather. If a late frost is predicted, cover your scallions with a row cover or old bedsheet. They can handle light frost, but prolonged cold below 28°F can kill them.
Harvest scallions regularly to encourage new growth. If you let them flower, the plants will stop producing. Cut off any flower stalks as soon as they appear.
With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh scallions from your Pennsylvania garden from late spring through fall. They are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, and they reward you with a steady supply of fresh flavor.
Remember, the key is timing. Plant too late, and you risk bolting. Plant too early in cold, wet soil, and seeds may rot. Stick to the recommended dates for your region, and you will have success.
Scallions are forgiving. Even if you make a mistake, you can often replant and still get a harvest. So get out there, prepare your soil, and start planting. Your salads, stir-fries, and soups will thank you.