Scallion
cool-season crop
At a glance
| Suitable zone groups | All four zone groups (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10), as a cool-season annual |
|---|---|
| Planting window | See the guide text below, in general terms relative to your last spring frost |
| Sun | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Moist, fertile, well-draining soil |
| Watering | Regular watering |
About this plant
Scallion suits all four zone groups (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10) as a cool-season annual. Full sun to partial shade gives you flexibility when choosing a spot for this leafy kitchen crop.
Provide moist, fertile, well-draining soil and regular watering. Keep the root area supplied with moisture while allowing surplus water to drain away.
Common beginner failures and fixes
- Leaf tips dry after missed watering: Check the soil regularly and water before the root area becomes dry.
- Roots sit in standing water: Improve bed drainage or use a container with open drainage holes.
- Crowded seedlings grow weakly: Thin plants according to the seed packet so each has room to grow.
- Weeds overwhelm young plants: Remove weeds carefully before they compete strongly for moisture and nutrients.
Beginner checklist
- Grow scallions as a cool-season annual.
- Select full sun to partial shade.
- Prepare moist, fertile, well-draining soil.
- Thin crowded seedlings gently.
- Water regularly and check drainage.
Zone groups and planting windows here are general guidance. Confirm your own zone and last frost date locally before planting.