Planting and Growing Guide for Spring onions (Allium fistulosum)
Description
There are many varieties of onions that are harvested for their stems and leaves rather than for the large bulbs like regular onions. Spring onions are generally harvested when the bulb is pencil size. Scallions are varieties that never form a bulb. Spring Onions grow very quickly, and so can be grown in batches for continual harvesting. Both types are grown with many plants close together and are harvested well before they fully mature.
Plant seeds indoors in late winter to early springs and transplant into warm soil. Otherwise, plant large groups of plants close together directly into the garden after the last frosts and harvest the plants continuously when young. Seed can be sown directly into garden beds or they can be sown into seed trays, and planted out as seedlings. Spring Onions do not like to be too dry and so water regularly and cover the soil around then with a deep layer of mulch to keep the soil moist and to control weeds. Spring Onions are best grown in a sheltered area with full sun or partial shade. The thinnings can be harvested as the plants grow.
Spring Onions can be eaten raw in salads. They are also chopped and used in Asian stir-fry dishes, pies and flans. They are used in many egg dishes and also in pizzas. They are widely use as a garnish, usually when finely sliced. The tops can be used as a leafy green vegetable.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed directly into the garden, or in seed trays, after the last frost, at a depth of 5 mm (1/4 inch). Lightly cover the seed with soil. Seedlings may take from 14-21 days to emerge
Space between plants: Plant seeds and seedlings very close together in a clump. Thin the seedling clumps to a spacing of 5-10 cm (2-3 inches) between groups of plants.
Harvest Time: Harvest in 8-12 weeks. Plants can be harvested when small as needed. Plant in batches to get a continual supply
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun, in a sheltered spot that does not dry out.
- Spring Onions are frost tolerant once established in the garden.
- Spring Onions prefer a friable, deep soil, that is rich in organic matter
- Feed regularly and add compost around the plants as they grow to provide mulch and source of nutrients.
- Spring Onions does best in well-drained, sandy, or light loamy soil with a slightly acid pH (6.2-6.8).
- Blanch Spring Onions as they grow by hilling up the soil around the plants.
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!