Green onions — also known as scallions or spring onions — are one of the most versatile, fast-growing, and space-efficient crops you can grow in your garden, containers, or even on a sunny windowsill. Their crisp texture and mild onion flavor enhance soups, salads, stir-fries, and countless other dishes. Best of all? With a little know-how, you can plant green onions for a continuous, fresh supply all year long.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing the right variety and planting techniques to harvesting and regrowing green onions again and again.
Why Grow Green Onions?
If you’ve never grown green onions before, here’s why you should start:
- Fast Growing: Ready for harvest in as little as 3–4 weeks.
- Low Maintenance: Require minimal space and care.
- Continuous Harvest: Can regrow from the base for multiple cuttings.
- Versatile Uses: Great in salads, soups, stir-fries, and as garnishes.
- Container-Friendly: Perfect for small gardens, balconies, or indoor kitchens.
Choosing the Right Green Onion Variety
There are a few types of green onions you can grow for a steady supply. While the term “green onion” often refers to immature bulbing onions, some varieties are specifically bred for leafy, non-bulbing growth.
Popular Green Onion Varieties:
- White Lisbon: Classic heirloom variety, quick to mature, with slender white stems.
- Evergreen Hardy White: Perennial in mild climates, produces reliable crops year after year.
- Tokyo Long White: Long, straight stalks with a mild, sweet flavor.
Pro Tip: You can also plant supermarket green onions with roots attached for regrowth!
When to Plant Green Onions
Green onions are cool-season crops that grow best in spring and fall, though in mild climates, they can be grown year-round.
- Outdoors: Plant as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring.
- Indoors or Greenhouse: Plant anytime with adequate light and warmth.
Ideal Temperature Range: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
Where to Plant Green Onions
Green onions aren’t picky about space and thrive in a variety of locations:
- Raised beds
- Garden rows
- Window boxes
- Small pots and containers
- Hydroponic systems
Sun Requirements: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth.
Preparing the Soil
Green onions prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
Steps for Preparing the Soil:
- Loosen soil to a depth of 6–8 inches.
- Mix in compost or well-aged manure to boost nutrients and improve texture.
- Add a balanced organic fertilizer (10-10-10) if needed.
- Ensure soil is free of stones and compacted areas to encourage straight growth.
How to Plant Green Onions
You can plant green onions in three easy ways:
Method 1: From Seeds
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in rows 12–18 inches apart.
- Space seeds ½ inch apart in the row.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Thin seedlings to 1–2 inches apart once they reach a few inches tall.
Method 2: From Sets (Small Onion Bulbs)
- Push each set into the soil 1 inch deep, leaving 2 inches between each.
- Cover with soil and water.
Method 3: Regrowing from Kitchen Scraps
- Save the root ends of store-bought green onions.
- Place the white root portion (with 1–2 inches of green attached) in a glass of water.
- Change water every 1–2 days.
- When roots grow longer and green tops regrow, plant them in soil, leaving the tips exposed.
Caring for Green Onions
Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
- Apply a light dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to encourage lush leaf growth.
- Organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion work wonderfully.
Weeding and Mulching
- Keep the area weed-free to prevent competition.
- Apply a light mulch of straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and control weeds.
How to Harvest Green Onions
One of the best things about green onions is their quick harvest time.
Time to Harvest: 3–4 weeks after planting from seeds, or once the stalks are 6–8 inches tall.
How to Harvest:
- Use scissors or garden shears to cut the green tops, leaving the white base and roots in the ground.
- New leaves will regrow from the base for continuous harvesting.
- You can typically get 2–3 regrowth cycles from each planting.
For a full harvest: Uproot the entire plant when the stalk is thick enough, or leave some to continue regrowing.
How to Regrow Green Onions for a Continuous Supply
Want an endless harvest? Green onions make it easy.
Regrowing in Water:
- Place cut root ends in a jar with enough water to cover the roots.
- Set the jar on a sunny windowsill.
- Change water daily.
- In a few days, new green shoots will appear.
Regrowing in Soil:
- After cutting the greens, leave the white root base planted.
- Water regularly.
- New shoots will grow back within a week.
Tip: After 2–3 cuttings, replant fresh onions or new seedlings for best results.
Growing Green Onions in Containers
Perfect for urban gardeners or those with limited space.
Container Size: At least 6 inches deep with drainage holes.
Planting Tips:
- Use high-quality potting mix enriched with compost.
- Space plants 1–2 inches apart.
- Water regularly as containers dry out faster.
- Place containers in a sunny spot.
Pro Tip: Grow a continuous crop by sowing a new batch every 2–3 weeks.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even though green onions are low-maintenance, a few issues might arise:
Yellowing Leaves
- Caused by nutrient deficiencies or overwatering.
- Fix: Feed with a balanced fertilizer and improve drainage.
Pests: Onion Maggots, Thrips, Aphids
- Use floating row covers or neem oil spray.
- Keep the area clean and rotate crops yearly.
Fungal Diseases
- Avoid wet foliage and overcrowding.
- Water at the soil level and ensure good air circulation.
Final Thoughts
Green onions are one of the easiest and most satisfying crops to grow, whether in a sprawling backyard garden, a few containers on a balcony, or even a jar on your kitchen windowsill. With their rapid growth, minimal space needs, and regrowth potential, they’re ideal for gardeners of all levels.
By following this guide on how to plant green onions for a continuous supply, you’ll never have to buy them at the store again — and you’ll always have fresh, flavorful greens on hand to brighten up your favorite meals.
Ready to give it a try? Start planting today, and enjoy an endless harvest of crisp, tasty green onions!
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