How to Grow Scallions (Green Onions)

Scallions, also called green onions, are slender, mild onions that you can harvest early and often. They’re perfect for garnishes, salads, stir-fries, and even breakfast omelets.

Understanding Scallions

• Botanical name: Allium fistulosum (bunching onion)
• Type: Perennial in mild climates, grown as annual elsewhere
• Height: 12–18 inches
• Flavor: Mild, fresh onion taste
• Harvest: Leaves and small white stems, harvested young or mature

Best Growing Conditions

• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile, rich in organic matter
• pH: 6.0–7.0

Planting Scallions

From Seed

1. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in rows or containers.
2. Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart.
3. Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost for an early harvest, or direct sow after frost.

From Sets or Transplants

• Plant sets 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart.
• Rows spaced 12 inches apart.
• Water well after planting.

Containers

• Use 6–8 inch deep pots with fertile potting soil.
• Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding.

Care & Maintenance

• Water evenly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilize lightly with compost every 3–4 weeks.
• Pinch or snip leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Harvesting

• Begin snipping leaves when they’re 6–8 inches tall.
• For mature stems, harvest when ½–¾ inch thick.
• Harvest gradually to allow continuous growth.

Tips for Success

• Successive sowing every 2–3 weeks ensures a constant supply.
• Scallions are great companion plants, repelling aphids and enhancing tomato growth.
• Use outer leaves for cooking; leave inner leaves to continue growing.

⚠ Cautions

• Overcrowding reduces bulb size.
• Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Watch for onion thrips and fungal leaf spots.

How to Grow Spring Onions

Spring onions are young onions harvested before full maturity. They’re slightly larger than scallions, with a more pronounced onion flavor.

Understanding Spring Onions

• Botanical name: Allium cepa
• Type: Annual
• Height: 12–18 inches
• Flavor: Mild but more robust than scallions

Growing Conditions

• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile, high organic matter
• pH: 6.0–7.0

Planting Spring Onions

From Seeds

1. Sow ¼ inch deep.
2. Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart.
3. Rows 12 inches apart.

From Sets or Small Bulbs

• Plant 1–2 inches deep, spaced 2–3 inches apart.

In Containers

• Use 6–8 inch deep pots with nutrient-rich potting soil.
• Water evenly and thin seedlings to avoid crowding.

Care & Maintenance

• Keep soil moist, not soggy.
• Fertilize lightly every 3–4 weeks.
• Mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture.

Harvesting

• Harvest when bulbs are ½–1 inch thick, or pull young plants for tender greens.
• For continuous harvest, plant in succession every 2–3 weeks.

Tips for Success

• Plant in cooler weather to prevent bolting.
• Companion plant with carrots, beets, or lettuce for pest benefits.
• Use both green tops and small white bulbs for cooking versatility.

⚠ Cautions

• Overcrowding stunts growth and bulb development.
• Excess nitrogen leads to tall leafy growth but smaller bulbs.
• Pests include onion maggots and thrips; practice crop rotation.

Scallions and spring onions are easy, fast-growing, and versatile herbs to keep in your garden or containers. With proper spacing, light fertilization, and succession sowing, you’ll have a fresh supply year-round for snacking, cooking, and garnishing your dishes.