Why these dates work in zone 5a
Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 frost-free days. Scallion tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Aug 6 for a second harvest before frost.
Common questions
How long does scallion take to grow in zone 5a?
Scallion matures in about 60–70 days from sowing. In zone 5a that means sowing around Apr 19 and first picking around Jun 18.
Will scallion survive frost in zone 5a?
Yes — scallion tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).
Can I plant a second crop of scallion in zone 5a?
Yes — in zone 5a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 6 for a second harvest before frost.
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full scallion growing guide →
