New Jersey’s climate supports a spring planting of scallions, followed by a fall crop for a longer harvest. Knowing the best time to plant scallion in New Jersey helps you get the most from your garden. Scallions, also called green onions, grow fast and need cool weather to thrive.
You can plant them as soon as the soil is workable in early spring. A second planting in late summer gives you a fall harvest that lasts until frost. This guide covers everything you need to know about timing, soil prep, and care.
Best Time To Plant Scallion In New Jersey
The best time to plant scallion in New Jersey is early spring, around mid-March to early April. Soil temperatures should be at least 40°F (4°C) for seeds to germinate. You can also plant in late summer, from mid-August to early September, for a fall crop.
Scallions are cold-hardy and can handle light frosts. This makes them ideal for New Jersey’s variable spring weather. Fall plantings benefit from cooler temperatures and produce tender stems before winter.
Spring Planting Window
In most of New Jersey, the last frost date falls between April 15 and May 1. You can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before that date. Or direct sow seeds outdoors as soon as the ground thaws.
- Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart
- Rows should be 12-18 inches apart
- Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart once they sprout
- Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not soggy
Spring-planted scallions are ready to harvest in 60-80 days. You can pull them when the stems are about 6-8 inches tall. The flavor is mild and sweet in cool weather.
Fall Planting Window
For a fall harvest, plant seeds in late summer. Aim for mid-August to early September. This timing gives scallions enough time to mature before the first frost in October or November.
- Prepare the soil by removing summer crops and adding compost
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart
- Water deeply after planting, then keep soil evenly moist
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temp
- Harvest before hard frosts, or cover with row covers for extra weeks
Fall scallions often have a stronger flavor due to cooler nights. They store well in the ground if you mulch heavily. You can also dig them up and store in a cool, dark place.
Soil Preparation For Scallions
Scallions prefer loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Test your soil pH; scallions grow best between 6.0 and 7.0. Add lime if your soil is too acidic, or sulfur if too alkaline.
Work in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure before planting. This improves drainage and provides nutrients. Avoid fresh manure, which can burn tender roots.
- Remove rocks and debris from the planting bed
- Loosen soil to a depth of 8-10 inches
- Mix in a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at planting time
- Rake the bed smooth before sowing seeds
Choosing Scallion Varieties For New Jersey
Not all scallion varieties perform the same in New Jersey’s climate. Some are better for spring, others for fall. Here are top picks:
Spring Varieties
- Evergreen White Bunching – classic, mild flavor, slow to bolt
- Tokyo Long White – fast-growing, tender stems
- Ishikura – long white shafts, excellent for spring
Fall Varieties
- Red Beard – purple-red stems, cold-tolerant
- Nabechan – Japanese variety, good for overwintering
- Parade – hybrid, uniform growth, disease resistant
Choose varieties that match your planting season. Bunching types are perrenial and can be left in the ground for multiple years. Standard scallions are annuals and need replanting each year.
How To Plant Scallions Step By Step
Follow these steps for a successful scallion crop in New Jersey. Timing is key, but proper planting technique matters too.
Step 1: Prepare The Garden Bed
Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Scallions can tolerate partial shade, but growth slows. Clear the area of weeds and old plant debris.
Amend the soil with compost and a slow-release fertilizer. Rake the bed to create a fine, crumbly texture. Water the soil lightly a day before planting.
Step 2: Sow Seeds Or Transplants
For direct sowing, make shallow furrows 1/2 inch deep. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Cover with soil and water gently.
If using transplants, set them at the same depth they were growing in pots. Space transplants 2-3 inches apart. Water well after planting.
Step 3: Water And Mulch
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which takes 7-14 days. Once seedlings emerge, water 1 inch per week. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Scallions have shallow roots, so they dry out quickly. Check soil moisture every few days, especially during dry spells.
Step 4: Thin Seedlings
When seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to 2-3 inches apart. This gives each plant room to develop thick stems. Use scissors to cut extras at soil level to avoid disturbing roots.
Thinned seedlings are edible and make a great addition to salads. Don’t waste them!
Step 5: Fertilize And Maintain
Side-dress scallions with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3-4 weeks after planting. Fish emulsion or blood meal works well. Apply again after another 4 weeks for continuous growth.
Keep the bed weed-free. Weeds compete for water and nutrients. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid damaging scallion roots.
Common Problems And Solutions
Scallions are relatively pest-free, but a few issues can arise. Here’s what to watch for in New Jersey gardens.
Pests
- Onion thrips – tiny insects that cause silvery streaks. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Onion maggots – larvae that tunnel into stems. Rotate crops and use row covers.
- Slugs and snails – eat leaves at night. Set out beer traps or diatomaceous earth.
Diseases
- Downy mildew – yellow spots on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Purple blotch – purple lesions on leaves. Remove infected plants and rotate crops.
- Botrytis rot – gray mold on stems. Space plants properly and avoid wet foliage.
Most problems are preventable with good garden hygiene. Rotate scallions with other crops every 2-3 years. Clean tools and remove plant debris after harvest.
Harvesting And Storing Scallions
Scallions are ready to harvest when the stems are about 6-8 inches tall and 1/2 inch thick. You can harvest earlier for smaller, milder stems. Use a garden fork to loosen soil around the roots, then pull gently.
Harvest in the morning when plants are crisp. Rinse off soil and trim roots. Store in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel. They last about 1-2 weeks.
For longer storage, chop scallions and freeze them in airtight containers. They lose some crispness but retain flavor for soups and stir-fries.
Overwintering Scallions
In mild New Jersey winters, you can leave scallions in the ground. Mulch heavily with straw or leaves after the first frost. They will go dormant and resume growth in spring.
This works best with hardy varieties like Evergreen White Bunching. Harvest as needed during winter thaws. The flavor becomes sweeter after cold exposure.
Companion Planting For Scallions
Scallions grow well with many vegetables. Good companions include carrots, beets, lettuce, and tomatoes. They repel pests like aphids and carrot flies.
Avoid planting scallions near beans, peas, and asparagus. These plants compete for nutrients and can stunt growth. Also keep them away from other alliums like garlic and onions to reduce disease risk.
- Plant scallions around rose bushes to deter aphids
- Interplant with strawberries to repel slugs
- Grow near brassicas like cabbage and broccoli to confuse pests
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Scallions In New Jersey In July?
July is too hot for scallions. They prefer cool weather and will bolt (go to seed) quickly in summer heat. Wait until mid-August for a fall planting.
How Late Can I Plant Scallions In New Jersey?
You can plant scallions as late as early September for a fall harvest. In southern New Jersey, you might push to mid-September. Use row covers to protect from early frosts.
Do Scallions Need Full Sun In New Jersey?
Scallions grow best in full sun (6+ hours daily). They tolerate partial shade, but stems will be thinner and growth slower. Choose a sunny spot for best results.
Can I Grow Scallions In Containers In New Jersey?
Yes, scallions grow well in containers. Use a pot at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill with quality potting mix and keep consistently moist. Place in a sunny location.
How Do I Know When Scallions Are Ready To Harvest?
Harvest when stems are 6-8 inches tall and about the thickness of a pencil. The white base should be firm and the green tops upright. Taste test for mild flavor.
Final Tips For New Jersey Gardeners
New Jersey’s climate is ideal for scallions if you time plantings right. Spring and fall are the best seasons. Avoid planting in the heat of summer.
Keep soil moist and weed-free. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh scallions from your garden for months.
Remember to rotate crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases. Test your soil every few years and amend as needed. Scallions are a low-maintenance crop that rewards you with quick harvests.
Start small if you’re new to gardening. A 4-foot row of scallions provides plenty for a family. Expand as you gain experience and confidence.
Happy planting in your New Jersey garden. Fresh scallions from your own patch taste better than store-bought. Enjoy the process and the harvest.