How to Grow and Care for Green Onions

Allium fistulosum, also known as green onions, provides the flavor of onions without the lengthy wait in the garden or the tedious peeling in the kitchen. Even while the names "scallions," "green onions," and "spring onions" are sometimes used synonymously to refer to any onion plucked before the bulb has fully developed, they are actually separated by their age instead. To know how to grow and care for green onions, follow these tips from New York Garden.

Overview

Despite being referred to as "bulbless" onions, green onions are perennials that grow long, dark green, tubular leaves that eventually turn into white bulbs underground. Although the leaves can grow up to three feet long, they are usually harvested when they are around a foot tall. Both the stalk and the bulb can be eaten raw or cooked and are renowned for their strong yet delicate onion flavor.

Green onions grow quite quickly. Green onions need between 60 and 80 days to mature from seed to harvest. They can be started indoors in March or April, and when the ground temperature reaches around 50 degrees Fahrenheit in May, you can plant the sprouts in the ground [1]. They are normally planted in the spring. It's crucial to remember that green onions might be toxic to pets if you have any.

Types of Green Onions

There are two different types of onions that grow as green onions:

• Scallions or bunching onions (Allium fistulosum): These annual or perennial plants are usually grown by many gardeners. As annual green onions, you can harvest this plant after two months of seeding. Although they don't produce bulbs, if they are left overwinter in the garden, they develop a clump of spiky hollow leaves that last for many years and bloom in the summer.
• Bulb onions (Allium cepa): This type of onion is typically grown by its color in bulbs. Its bulbs are yellow, white, or red. However, they can also grow as green onions.

How to Plant Green Onions

When to Plant

For a summer yield, green onions are best sown in the spring. In regions where green onions thrive as perennials, they can be picked continuously without needing to be replanted.

Selecting a Planting Site

If you're planting in the ground, pick a location in your garden that has good drainage and is sunny. They thrive in containers as well. To prevent competition for nutrients and soil moisture, keep weeds away from green onions. Mulch can act as a barrier against weed growth.

Support, Depth, and Spacing

Plant seeds at a depth of about 1/4 inch, and seedlings at the same depth as in their previous container. Plants should be placed in rows that are 1 to 2 feet apart, generally 2 to 3 feet apart. Usually, a support structure is not required.

How to Care for Green Onions

Soil

Rich, sandy loam with excellent drainage and a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral is preferred by green onions. When planting, add organic materials to the soil 6 to 8 inches deep, such as compost, to promote growth.

Light

These green crops can tolerate some shade. But in full sun, which is at least six hours of direct sunshine on most days, they thrive and maintain their healthiest state.

Water

As soon as the soil begins to dry out, constant watering and/or rains are required because green onions have a shallow root system. Don't allow the plants to sit in moist soil though, since this might cause rot and other problems. Consistently moist but not saturated soil is ideal. Drip irrigation will adequately hydrate roots while shielding leaves from excessive moisture, which can also spread disease.

Fertilizer

Follow the directions on the packaging when applying a balanced fertilizer to your plants. They will continue to develop and be green if you fertilize them with a high nitrogen substance, such as fish emulsion.

Temperature and Humidity 

The soil should be at least 45 degrees for green onion seeds to grow, however warmer is preferable. The ideal growing range for the plants is between 68 and 78 degrees. They do not mind humid environments as long as there is excellent drainage to prevent rot and other illnesses.

Pollination

Although green onions self-pollinate, preventing them from flowering is ideal, as this can affect how the leaves taste.

How to Grow Green Onions in Pots

On the direct sun in balconies, green onions will grow well in plastic pots. Do you know how to grow them in pots? Follow the steps below:

• Choose a container that is at least 6 inches deep, and has good drainage.
• Put compost and top-notch potting soil inside. The ideal ratio is 2 parts potting soil to 1 part compost.
• If you're planting seeds, moisten the soil and space them 1/4 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep.
• If you're planting transplants, space them 1 to 2 inches apart. Set your plants 6 inches apart if you want them to grow large.
• Remember to water and keep the soil moist, especially during the summer.
• Apply a liquid organic vegetable fertilizer every two to three weeks.
• When the plants are big enough to use, harvest them.

Harvesting Green Onions

The best way to enjoy green onions is by eating them when they are young since they are light and soft. As soon as the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall, you can begin harvesting by simply clipping off the leaves you need for cooking. Pulling the entire plant out of the ground allows you to harvest it. For roughly a week, the fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator. It is advised against picking green onions during the first season if you are growing them as a perennial.

Potting and Repotting Green Onions

When growing green onions in a container, use a high-quality, organic potting mix that drains well. Water the soil just before planting to evenly hydrate it. You probably won't need to repot your plant if you use a sizable container and routinely harvest your green onions to keep them from overgrowing.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Green onion roots and stalks can be impacted by a variety of factors. The environment, plant diseases, insects, and wildlife can all affect how a plant looks and how healthy it is. It's crucial to make the right diagnosis in order to address what you're seeing.

FAQs

Can green onions be grown easily?

Green onions are relatively simple to grow as long as they receive adequate light and moisture.

How long does it take green onions to grow?

After planting, the majority of green onion cultivars can be harvested 60 to 80 days later.

Can green onions be grown indoors?

Indoors, green onions typically thrive near a light source or beneath grow lights.

Do green onions need direct sunlight?

Green onions will grow best in direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day.

Do green onions keep growing after cutting?

After cutting green onions’ leaves, they will continue to grow new leaves and be ready for the next use.

Final Thought

Incorporating green onions into your gardening repertoire not only adds a burst of flavor to your meals but also brings the joy of growing your own produce. Embrace the simplicity and rewards of cultivating these versatile and nutritious vegetables in your garden.

Sources: The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Green Onions - UC Davis Western Institute for Food Safety & Security