Spring Onions Growing Guide: Tips for a Successful Harvest

Spring onions, also known as green onions or scallions, are one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow at home. With their quick growth cycle and minimal space requirements, they’re perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you have a large garden or just a windowsill, spring onions can thrive in a variety of settings.

This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about growing spring onions, from planting and care to harvesting and re-growing.

Why Grow Spring Onions?

Spring onions are a popular choice for home gardens because:

Quick to Grow: Ready to harvest in just 6-8 weeks.
Space-Saving: Can be grown in small spaces, including pots and windowsills.
Low Maintenance: Require minimal care once planted.
Continuous Harvest: Regrow from scraps or cuttings for multiple harvests.
Versatile in Cooking: Use in salads, stir-fries, soups, and more.

Choosing the Right Variety

When growing spring onions, it’s essential to choose a variety that suits your climate and culinary needs. Popular varieties include:

White Lisbon: A classic, hardy variety that grows quickly.
Ishikura: A Japanese variety with long, slender stalks.
Evergreen Hardy White: Ideal for year-round growing in cooler climates.
Performer: Known for its disease resistance and robust growth.

How to Grow Spring Onions

From Seeds

Prepare the Soil:
- Choose well-draining soil enriched with compost.
- Spring onions prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Plant the Seeds:
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep in rows spaced 4-6 inches apart.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
Thin the Seedlings:
- When seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin to 1-2 inches apart for proper growth.

From Sets

Prepare the Soil:
- Loosen the soil and remove weeds.
Plant the Sets:
- Push onion sets (small bulbs) into the soil with the pointed end facing up, about 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart.
Water Regularly:
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

From Kitchen Scraps

Cut the Roots:
- Save the root ends of store-bought spring onions, leaving about 1 inch of the white base.
Place in Water:
- Submerge the roots in a glass of water, ensuring the top stays dry.
Transplant to Soil:
- Once roots are established, plant them in soil and water regularly.

Best Conditions for Growing Spring Onions

Light:
- Spring onions thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Temperature:
- Ideal range: 60°F-75°F (15°C-24°C). They can handle cooler weather but may bolt in extreme heat.
Water:
- Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Soil:
- Well-draining, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter.

Caring for Your Spring Onions

Weeding:
- Remove weeds regularly to prevent competition for nutrients.
Fertilizing:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks for robust growth.
Pest Control:
- Watch for pests like onion flies and aphids. Use natural remedies like neem oil if needed.
Mulching:
- Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

How to Harvest Spring Onions

Timing:
- Harvest spring onions when they’re about 6-8 inches tall, typically 6-8 weeks after planting.
How to Harvest:
- Gently pull them from the soil or use scissors to cut the green tops.
Tip:
- Leave a small portion of the bulb in the soil to encourage regrowth.

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves:
- Cause: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
- Solution: Adjust watering schedule and fertilize with nitrogen-rich compost.
Bolting (Premature Flowering):
- Cause: High temperatures or stress.
- Solution: Harvest early or choose heat-resistant varieties.
Pests:
- Onion Flies: Use floating row covers to prevent infestations.
- Aphids: Spray with soapy water or neem oil.

Regrowing Spring Onions

Spring onions are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow:

Cut and Save:
- Leave about 1 inch of the white bulb intact after harvesting.
Place in Water:
- Submerge the roots in a small glass of water and place in a sunny spot.
Transplant:
- After a week, when new shoots appear, plant them in soil for continued growth.

FAQs About Growing Spring Onions

How long do spring onions take to grow?
- Typically 6-8 weeks from planting to harvest.
Can I grow spring onions indoors?
- Yes, they grow well in pots on sunny windowsills.
Do spring onions need a lot of water?
- They prefer consistent moisture but should not sit in waterlogged soil.
How many times can you regrow spring onions?
- They can regrow 2-3 times, depending on the root health.
Can I grow spring onions in winter?
- Hardy varieties like Evergreen Hardy White can grow in mild winters or under protection.
How do I prevent bolting?
- Plant in cooler weather and harvest before temperatures rise too high.
What’s the best fertilizer for spring onions?
- A balanced fertilizer or compost rich in nitrogen works best.
Do spring onions need deep soil?
- No, they can thrive in shallow containers or garden beds.
Can I grow spring onions alongside other vegetables?
- Yes, they grow well with carrots, lettuce, and other greens.
What’s the best way to store harvested spring onions?
- Refrigerate in a damp paper towel or regrow in water for freshness.

Conclusion

Growing spring onions is a simple and rewarding gardening project that provides fresh, flavorful ingredients for your meals. Whether you’re planting from seeds, sets, or scraps, spring onions thrive with minimal care and offer a continuous harvest. Follow this guide to enjoy a successful crop of these versatile greens in your garden or on your windowsill.