When to Plant Green Onions (Scallions)
Fast-growing mild onion harvested before bulbing. Ready in 60 days, regrows from cut stumps.
The Short Answer
How to Grow Green Onions (Scallions)
Scallions are the fastest allium from seed to harvest — 60 days, versus 90-120 for bulbing onions. The real trick is regrowth: cut 1 inch above the root and they'll regrow for multiple harvests from the same planting, essentially becoming a perennial. Succession plant every 3 weeks throughout the growing season for continuous supply. Unlike bulbing onions, scallions have no day-length sensitivity, meaning the same variety works everywhere in the country. Evergreen Hardy White is the most cold-tolerant; Tokyo Long White produces the longest white stalks.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Begin green onions (scallions) seeds indoors 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 40°F to germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.
Transplanting
Move seedlings outside 4 weeks before your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 40°F. Harden off seedlings for 5 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Direct Sowing
Green Onions (Scallions) can be direct sown 4 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds 0.25" deep, spaced 2" apart.
Fall Planting
Green Onions (Scallions) are planted in fall, 8 weeks before your average first frost date. Plant 0.25" deep, 2" apart.
Growing Tips
Cut 1 inch above the root and they'll regrow for multiple harvests. Succession plant every 3 weeks for continuous supply. No day-length sensitivity — works in any zone.
Companion Planting
Good companions:
Keep away from:
Green Onions (Scallions) Planting Dates by State
Click your state for green onions (scallions) planting dates specific to your location:
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026