How to Grow Spring Onions in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

How to Grow Spring Onions in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, are a fast-growing and versatile crop that can be enjoyed raw in salads, stir-fried, or as a garnish. These mild, onion-flavored plants are easy to grow and perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. February is an ideal time to start sowing spring onions, especially under cover or indoors, to ensure an early harvest.

This guide provides everything you need to grow spring onions successfully in February, from choosing the best varieties to planting and caring for your crop.

Introduction: Why Grow Spring Onions in February?

Spring onions are a quick-growing crop that thrives in cool weather, making February an excellent time to start planting. They are a low-maintenance vegetable, perfect for small gardens, raised beds, or containers. Growing your own spring onions ensures a fresh, chemical-free supply of this versatile ingredient, ideal for salads, soups, and more.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, spring onions are a rewarding and easy crop to grow.

1. Choosing the Best Spring Onion Varieties

Spring onions come in a variety of types, each offering unique flavors and growing characteristics. Here are some of the best varieties to plant in February:

1.1 White Varieties

‘White Lisbon’: A classic, fast-growing variety that is perfect for early sowing.
‘Ishikura’: A Japanese variety with long, slender stems and a mild flavor.

1.2 Red Varieties

‘Red Beard’: Known for its striking red stems and peppery taste.
‘North Holland Blood Red’: A traditional variety with beautiful red coloring and a sweet flavor.

1.3 Perennial Varieties

‘Welsh Onion’: A hardy, perennial spring onion that provides a continuous supply year after year.
‘Evergreen Bunching’: Produces tender, mild onions that do not form bulbs.

2. Sowing Spring Onions in February

2.1 Where to Sow

Start spring onions indoors, in a greenhouse, or under cloches in February to protect them from frost.
If the soil is workable, hardy varieties can be sown directly outdoors.

2.2 Preparing the Soil

Spring onions prefer light, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0).
Remove stones and weeds, and work in compost or a general-purpose fertilizer before sowing.

2.3 Seed Sowing Process

Create shallow drills about 1 cm deep and 6 inches apart.
Sow seeds thinly along the drills, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Cover seeds lightly with soil and water gently.

3. Growing Spring Onions in Containers

Spring onions grow exceptionally well in containers, making them perfect for patios, balconies, or small gardens.

Use a container at least 6 inches deep with good drainage.
Fill with light, fertile compost and sow seeds thinly.
Follow the same care instructions as for soil planting.

4. Caring for Spring Onions

4.1 Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to encourage healthy growth.

4.2 Feeding

Spring onions generally do not require additional feeding if the soil is fertile.
If growth is slow, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing period.

4.3 Thinning

Thin seedlings to about 1–2 inches apart once they are 2–3 inches tall to allow room for growth.

4.4 Mulching

Add a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5. Protecting Spring Onions from Pests and Diseases

5.1 Pests

Onion Fly: Cover plants with fine mesh netting to prevent egg-laying.
Slugs and Snails: Use traps or barriers to protect young seedlings.

5.2 Diseases

Downy Mildew: Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
White Rot: Rotate crops annually and avoid planting in infected soil.

6. Harvesting Spring Onions

6.1 When to Harvest

Spring onions are ready to harvest 8–10 weeks after sowing, depending on the variety.
Harvest when stems are pencil-thick for the best flavor and texture.

6.2 How to Harvest

Pull spring onions gently from the soil by hand or use a trowel to loosen the soil around the roots.
Harvest as needed to ensure a continuous supply of fresh onions.

6.3 Storing Spring Onions

Store harvested spring onions in the fridge for up to a week.
For longer storage, chop and freeze spring onions for use in soups and stir-fries.

7. Succession Planting for Continuous Harvests

To enjoy a steady supply of spring onions:

Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks from February through early summer.
Choose a mix of varieties for different harvest times and flavors.

8. Benefits of Growing Spring Onions

Fast Growing: Ready to harvest in just 8–10 weeks.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and is easy to grow.
Nutritional Value: High in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
Space-Saving: Grows well in small gardens, containers, or as a border crop.
Culinary Versatility: Perfect for salads, stir-fries, soups, and garnishes.

Conclusion: Start Growing Spring Onions for a Quick and Flavorful Harvest

Growing spring onions in February is a simple and rewarding way to kickstart your gardening season. With their quick growth, ease of care, and versatility in the kitchen, spring onions are a must-have crop for any garden. Whether you’re growing classic white varieties or colorful red ones, you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown spring onions in just a few weeks.

Happy gardening! 🌱