Florida’s warm winters make scallion planting possible from fall through early spring. Knowing the best time to plant scallion in florida ensures you get a steady harvest without bolting or rot. This guide covers exact timing, soil prep, and care steps for success.
Scallions, also called green onions, grow fast in Florida’s mild climate. You can plant them almost year-round, but timing matters for quality. The key is avoiding extreme heat and heavy rain periods.
Let’s break down the ideal planting windows, step-by-step methods, and common mistakes. You’ll learn how to grow scallions from seeds, sets, or transplants with confidence.
Best Time To Plant Scallion In Florida
The best time to plant scallion in florida is from September through March. This window avoids the hottest summer months when scallions bolt quickly and become tough. Fall planting gives you a harvest before winter frosts, while spring planting works if done early.
Florida’s USDA zones range from 8a to 11. Your exact zone shifts the calendar slightly. North Florida (zones 8-9) should plant earlier in fall and later in spring. South Florida (zones 10-11) can plant through winter with no frost worry.
Fall Planting Window
September to November is prime time for scallions across Florida. Soil temperatures are still warm enough for quick germination, but air temps are cooling down. This reduces stress on young plants.
- North Florida: Plant from mid-September to late October
- Central Florida: Plant from late September to mid-November
- South Florida: Plant from October through December
Fall-planted scallions grow slowly at first but produce tender, mild bulbs by winter. They need less watering than summer crops. Mulch around plants to keep soil cool and moist.
Winter Planting Window
December through February works well for most of Florida, except for occasional frost in the north. Scallions tolerate light frost but not hard freezes. Cover plants if temps drop below 28°F.
- North Florida: Avoid planting in January; use row covers
- Central Florida: Plant through December and February
- South Florida: Plant any month; winter is ideal
Winter scallions grow slower but develop excellent flavor. They need less fertilizer because cool soil reduces nutrient leaching. Water only when soil feels dry an inch down.
Spring Planting Window
March through May is a shorter window, especially in north and central Florida. By late April, heat triggers bolting. Plant early in March for best results.
- North Florida: Plant in March only
- Central Florida: Plant March to early April
- South Florida: Plant March through May
Spring scallions grow fast but may become tough if left too long. Harvest when stems are pencil-thick. Use shade cloth if temps exceed 85°F.
Why Timing Matters For Florida Scallions
Scallions are cool-season crops. They thrive in 60-75°F temperatures. Florida’s summer heat above 90°F causes rapid bolting, where plants send up flower stalks. This makes stems woody and bitter.
Heavy summer rains also cause rot and disease. Scallions need well-draining soil, and Florida’s afternoon downpours can waterlog beds. Planting in fall through spring avoids these issues.
Another factor is day length. Scallions are day-neutral, meaning they don’t depend on light hours for bulb formation. But extreme heat overrides this, forcing early flowering.
Microclimate Considerations
Your specific location matters more than general zones. Coastal areas have milder winters but more humidity. Inland areas heat up faster in spring. Check your local frost dates and soil temperature.
- Coastal: Plant 2 weeks later in fall, 2 weeks earlier in spring
- Inland: Plant earlier in fall, later in spring
- Urban heat islands: Extend spring window by 1-2 weeks
Use a soil thermometer. Scallion seeds germinate best at 60-75°F. If soil is below 50°F, germination is slow. Above 85°F, seeds may rot.
How To Plant Scallions In Florida
Follow these steps for a successful scallion crop. Start with healthy seeds or sets from a local nursery. Florida-grown varieties are adapted to local conditions.
Step 1: Choose The Right Variety
Not all scallions perform well in Florida heat. Look for heat-tolerant types like ‘Evergreen White’, ‘Tokyo Long White’, or ‘Red Beard’. These resist bolting longer.
- ‘Evergreen White’: Bunching type, no bulb, very heat tolerant
- ‘Tokyo Long White’: Classic scallion, mild flavor
- ‘Red Beard’: Purple stems, adds color to dishes
Avoid bulb-forming onions like ‘Walla Walla’ for scallions. They need longer days and cooler temps.
Step 2: Prepare The Soil
Scallions need loose, well-draining soil with pH 6.0-7.0. Florida’s sandy soil drains fast but lacks nutrients. Amend with compost or aged manure.
- Clear the bed of weeds and debris
- Mix in 2-3 inches of compost
- Add a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at 1 pound per 100 square feet
- Rake smooth and water thoroughly
If you have heavy clay soil, raise beds 6-8 inches. Scallions rot easily in wet conditions. Add perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Step 3: Plant Seeds Or Sets
Seeds are cheaper but take longer. Sets (small bulbs) give faster harvests. Both work in Florida.
- Seeds: Sow 1/4 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 12 inches apart
- Sets: Plant 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart
- Transplants: Space 3-4 inches apart
Water gently after planting. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days at 60-75°F.
Step 4: Thin Seedlings
When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin to 2-3 inches apart. Thinnings are edible as microgreens. Crowded plants produce thin, weak stems.
Use scissors to cut thinnings at soil level. Pulling can disturb roots of nearby plants.
Step 5: Mulch And Water
Apply 1-2 inches of organic mulch like straw or pine bark. This keeps soil cool and reduces weeds. Water deeply once a week, more in sandy soil.
Florida’s sandy soil dries fast. Check moisture daily during hot spells. Drip irrigation is ideal to avoid wetting foliage.
Caring For Scallions Through The Season
Scallions are low-maintenance but need consistent care. Follow these tips for a continuous harvest.
Fertilizing
Scallions are light feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Use a liquid feed like fish emulsion for quick uptake.
- At planting: 10-10-10 granular
- After 3 weeks: Liquid 5-5-5
- Every 3 weeks thereafter: Same liquid feed
Stop fertilizing 2 weeks before harvest. Too much nitrogen makes stems watery and less flavorful.
Pest And Disease Control
Common pests in Florida include onion thrips, aphids, and nematodes. Use insecticidal soap for thrips and aphids. Rotate crops to reduce nematodes.
- Thrips: Silvery streaks on leaves; spray with neem oil
- Aphids: Sticky residue; blast with water or use soap
- Nematodes: Stunted growth; plant marigolds as trap crops
Diseases like pink root and botrytis rot occur in wet soil. Ensure drainage and avoid overhead watering. Remove infected plants immediately.
Harvesting
Scallions are ready 60-90 days from seed, 30-45 days from sets. Harvest when stems are 6-8 inches tall and 1/2 inch thick. Pull the whole plant or cut at soil level for regrowth.
- For regrowth: Cut 1 inch above soil; new shoots appear in 2 weeks
- For full harvest: Pull entire plant; use a trowel to loosen roots
- For continuous harvest: Plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks
Harvest in the morning when stems are crisp. Rinse off soil and store in the fridge. Scallions keep for 1-2 weeks in a plastic bag.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Even experienced gardeners make errors. Here are the most common ones for Florida scallions.
Planting Too Late In Spring
Many people plant scallions in April or May, only to see them bolt quickly. In north and central Florida, April is risky. Stick to March or earlier.
If you must plant late, choose heat-tolerant varieties and provide afternoon shade. Harvest early before stems toughen.
Overwatering
Florida’s summer rains make overwatering easy. Scallions need moist soil but not wet feet. Yellowing leaves signal too much water.
Improve drainage with raised beds or containers. Water only when top inch of soil is dry. Use a moisture meter if unsure.
Ignoring Soil PH
Scallions prefer slightly acidic soil. Florida’s sandy soil is often acidic, but limestone areas can be alkaline. Test pH before planting.
Add sulfur to lower pH, or lime to raise it. Ideal range is 6.0-7.0. Adjust at least 2 weeks before planting.
Not Rotating Crops
Planting scallions in the same spot year after year increases disease risk. Rotate with legumes, brassicas, or leafy greens.
Wait 3-4 years before planting alliums in the same bed. This breaks pest and disease cycles.
Growing Scallions In Containers
If you have limited space, containers work great. Florida’s heat can dry out pots fast, so choose large containers and water frequently.
Container Selection
Use pots at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes. Wider pots allow more plants. Self-watering containers reduce maintenance.
- Plastic pots: Retain moisture better than clay
- Fabric grow bags: Good drainage but dry fast
- Window boxes: Perfect for small spaces
Fill with a high-quality potting mix. Add slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
Planting And Care
Sow seeds or sets as described above. Space them slightly closer in containers. Water daily in hot weather, every other day in cool weather.
Fertilize every 2 weeks with half-strength liquid feed. Move containers to partial shade if temps exceed 85°F.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
To have scallions all season, use succession planting. Sow a new batch every 2-3 weeks during the optimal window.
Planning Your Schedule
Start in September and continue through March. Plant a 2-foot row every 2 weeks. This gives a steady supply without a glut.
- September: First planting
- October: Second planting
- November: Third planting
- December: Fourth planting (south Florida only)
- January: Fifth planting (south Florida only)
- February: Sixth planting
- March: Final planting
Adjust based on your zone. North Florida may skip December and January plantings.
Using Different Varieties
Plant different types for variety. Mix early-maturing and late-maturing varieties to extend harvest.
For example, plant ‘Evergreen White’ for quick harvest and ‘Red Beard’ for later. This keeps your garden interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant scallions in summer in Florida?
It’s possible but not recommended. Summer heat causes bolting and poor quality. If you must, use shade cloth and heat-tolerant varieties. Expect smaller yields.
What is the best scallion variety for Florida?
‘Evergreen White’ is top choice for heat tolerance and flavor. ‘Tokyo Long White’ is also excellent. Both resist bolting better than others.
How long do scallions take to grow in Florida?
From seed, 60-90 days. From sets, 30-45 days. Harvest when stems are 6-8 inches tall. Cooler weather slows growth but improves flavor.
Can I regrow scallions from kitchen scraps?
Yes, place root ends in water. Change water daily. After roots form, transplant to soil. This works but yields smaller plants than fresh sets.
Do scallions need full sun in Florida?
Full sun (6-8 hours) is best, but partial shade helps in hot months. Afternoon shade prevents bolting. Morning sun is ideal.
Final Tips For Florida Scallion Success
Start with good timing. The best time to plant scallion in florida is fall through early spring. Use heat-tolerant varieties and well-draining soil.
Water consistently but avoid overwatering. Mulch to keep roots cool. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.
With these steps, you’ll enjoy fresh scallions from your garden for months. Experiment with different varieties and planting dates to find what works best in your microclimate.
Happy gardening! Remember to check your local extension office for specific advice. They know your area’s unique conditions better than anyone.