When To Plant Green Onions In Washington State

The best time to plant green onions in Washington state is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
 
This timing works perfectly because green onions, also known as scallions, are incredibly cold-hardy and actually thrive in the cooler temperatures that Washington is famous for.
 
If you’ve been wondering exactly when to plant green onions in washington state, the answer depends on your specific region, whether you’re west of the Cascades or east of them, but the general window remains the same for most gardeners.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the ideal planting windows, the best varieties for our unique climate, and a few simple tips to get the most out of your green onion patch.
 
Let’s dig into the details so you can enjoy a steady supply of these fresh, mild onions all season long.
 

When To Plant Green Onions In Washington State: The Core Timing

When to plant green onions in washington state really comes down to two distinct planting seasons, and both are easy to manage once you know the local frost dates.
 
Your first opportunity is in early spring, typically from late February through April, depending on where you live.
 
The second window is in late summer, usually August to early September, which sets you up for a fall and even early winter harvest.
 
This double planting schedule is why so many Washington gardeners consider green onions a nearly year-round crop.
 
Let’s explore why these specific windows work so well for the Evergreen State.
 

1. Early Spring Planting: The Classic Start

When to plant green onions in washington state starts with the spring thaw, and for good reason.
 
Green onion seeds can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 50°F, which means you don’t have to wait for the last frost to pass.
 
In western Washington, where winters are milder, you can often plant as early as late February.
 
In eastern Washington, where the ground stays frozen longer, you might need to wait until late March or April.
 
The key is to check if the soil is dry enough to work, if it crumbles easily and isn’t muddy, you’re good to go.
 
Planting this early gives your green onions a head start, and because they’re frost-tolerant, a surprise cold snap won’t hurt them.
 
You’ll be harvesting tender, tasty green onions by late spring, just in time for salads and grilling season.
 

2. Late Summer Planting: The Fall Bounty

The second critical time when to plant green onions in washington state is in late summer, usually about six to eight weeks before your first expected fall frost.
 
For most of Washington, that means planting in August or very early September.
 
This timing allows the seeds to germinate in the warm summer soil, but the plants will mature as temperatures cool down.
 
Green onions actually prefer cooler weather for bulb and leaf formation, so this fall crop often tastes even sweeter than the spring one.
 
These fall-planted green onions can be harvested through October and November, and in mild coastal areas, they might even survive the winter for an early spring harvest.
 
This second window is a pro move for gardeners who want a continuous supply.
 

3. Regional Differences Across Washington

When to plant green onions in washington state isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer because our state has vastly different climate zones.
 
Western Washington, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia, has a maritime climate with mild winters and cool, wet springs.
 
Here, you can often push your early spring planting to late February, and your fall planting can happen as late as mid-September.
 
Eastern Washington, which includes Spokane and Yakima, experiences harsher winters and hotter summers.
 
In this region, you’ll want to wait until April for spring planting, and you’ll need to get your fall planting done by late August.
 
No matter where you live, keep a close eye on your local frost dates and adjust your schedule by a couple of weeks to match your microclimate.
 
The beauty of green onions is that they’re forgiving, so even if you’re a week off, they’ll still grow well.
 

Best Green Onion Varieties For Washington Gardens

Once you’ve figured out when to plant green onions in washington state, you’ll want to choose the right varieties for your garden.
 
Some types handle our cool, damp springs better, while others are bred for quick maturity and cold hardiness.
 
Here are the top picks that consistently perform well across the state.
 

1. White Spear

White Spear is a classic bunching onion that produces tall, straight white stalks with dark green tops.
 
It’s incredibly cold-hardy and can tolerate the chilly, wet conditions of a Washington spring.
 
This variety matures in about 60 days, making it a reliable choice for your early planting.
 
You’ll love how crisp and mild it tastes straight out of the ground.
 

2. Red Beard

Red Beard is a fun, eye-catching variety with deep red bases that fade to green at the tips.
 
It’s another great option for when to plant green onions in washington state because it’s highly disease-resistant and grows quickly.
 
This one adds a pop of color to your dishes and has a slightly spicier kick than white varieties.
 
It’s perfect for fall planting because it holds up well in cooler temperatures.
 

3. Evergreen Hardy White

Evergreen Hardy White is a true workhorse for Washington gardeners.
 
It’s a perennial bunching onion that can survive winter in many parts of the state, especially west of the Cascades.
 
When you plant this variety in late summer, you can harvest it through fall, and it will often come back the following spring.
 
This makes it ideal if you want a low-maintenance, self-renewing patch of green onions.
 

How To Plant Green Onions For Success

Knowing when to plant green onions in washington state is only half the battle, you also need to get the planting technique right.
 
Green onions are one of the easiest crops to grow, but a few simple steps will ensure a bumper crop.
 
Follow these tips and you’ll be harvesting in no time.
 

1. Direct Sowing Seeds

The simplest method is to sow seeds directly into your garden bed.
 
Plant the seeds about half an inch deep and one inch apart in rows that are spaced about 12 inches apart.
 
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 7 to 14 days.
 
Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to about two inches apart so they have room to grow.
 
You can use the thinned seedlings as microgreens in your salads, so nothing goes to waste.
 

2. Planting Sets For Faster Harvest

If you want to speed things up, consider planting green onion sets, which are small, immature bulbs.
 
Sets are available at most garden centers in Washington, and they cut your time to harvest by several weeks.
 
Plant the sets about one inch deep and two inches apart, with the pointed tip just barely poking above the soil.
 
Water them well after planting, and they’ll establish roots quickly.
 
This is a fantastic option if you missed your ideal planting window and want to catch up.
 

3. Succession Planting For A Continuous Supply

To truly master when to plant green onions in washington state, embrace succession planting.
 
Instead of planting all your seeds at once, sow a new row every two to three weeks during your planting window.
 
This ensures you always have a fresh batch of green onions ready to harvest, rather than a single glut.
 
It’s a simple practice that professional gardeners swear by.
 
With succession planting, you can enjoy green onions from your garden for nearly eight months of the year.
 

So, When To Plant Green Onions In Washington State?

The best time to plant green onions in washington state is definitely early spring, from late February to April, and again in late summer, from August to early September.
 
Planting green onions in washington state during these windows gives you a continuous harvest from late spring through fall, and sometimes even into winter.
 
Remember that your exact dates depend on whether you live west or east of the Cascades, so always check your local frost forecast.
 
Start with cold-hardy varieties like White Spear or Evergreen Hardy White, and don’t be afraid to try a fall planting for sweeter, milder onions.
 
With this timing and a little bit of care, you’ll be pulling fresh green onions from your Washington garden for months on end.
 
Happy planting, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!