Growing Spring onions, also Scallions, Bunching onions, Welsh onion

Allium fistulosum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S                    
      P                

(Best months for growing Spring onions in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: Plant close together
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Lemon Balm, Borage, Carrots, Beets, Silverbeet, Lettuce, Amaranth
  • Avoid growing close to: Peas, Beans

Your comments and tips

30 May 10, Diana (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi! I live in Adelaide where the summer is really hot. Is your place really hot in Febuary? I sowed spring onion seed during summer and had very poor germination rate almost none. However since End summer germination rate 80-99%. Usually in the seed packet it says you could sow all year round. But I think if it is too hot the seed won't germinate.
02 Sep 10, Cygnetian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Trevor, Have you tried planting the roots cut off from purchased spring onions? You cut them off about 1.5 cm from the base and then plant them. Works for me. :)
15 Jun 10, Michele -- Launceston (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
HELP?? Have let some spring onions grown on .... now look like leeks on steroids with bulbs as big as a regular brown onion. Should I use them or chuck them out?? Any hints on how to use them?? I do make my own tomato relish, sauce and chutney. Can I use some of the sprin onion instead?? Just not sure what to do ... don't like wasting food
16 Jun 10, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Michele, I would use them. So long as the stems haven't gone hard (woody) then they should be perfectly ok. If they are woody, then they won't be very edible, but could still add flavour if you remove them from the mix after cooking.
05 Aug 10, ajp (Australia - temperate climate)
I did the same last year and they taste just like onions, don't keep as well though. The spring onions that did store ok and are on the smallish side I have replanted to see what happens. Have been picking the top (green part) for weeks now.
17 Jul 10, Morgoth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I saved some root ends (cut off only about 1.5 centimetres from the end) from store-bought scallions planted them (I'm calling these cut-off roots 'rootlings') and they grew really well (I think it was summer when I did this).
27 Aug 10, Frank Romano (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Late last year I found a listing on your website of a seed distrbutor that had some fabulous seeds that I wanted to buy for this year, i never got around to it and wwould like to now buy some seeds. I have looked and cannot find the link anymore on your webpage, Can you tell me who they are and how do i get in contact with them, hoping you can help Regards Frank
03 Oct 10, John Bee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try eden seeds. Just google it as this site won't elt me put their website. They specialise in good quality Australian seeds. John BEE
01 Nov 10, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Last week I planted out some spring onion seedlings and within a few days something appears to be eating them from the top down. It almost appears as though they have been cut with a knife or scissors. Anyone help?
07 Mar 12, gary ellard (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like earwigs. Had the same problem with capsicum and cucumber seelings. Look around for sprays to "control" them , mainly with garlic in them. They hate garlic.
Showing 11 - 20 of 69 comments

I grow shallots, far easier to grow. Plant 3 bulbs together 150mm apart, good rich soil and water each day or two. Plenty of sunlight. Easiest thing to grow I reckon. You keep some bulbs from one year for the next year. If you want to stick with spring onions try what you are thinking, don't plant too deep though. Hill the soil up a bit as they grow. Make sure you have good rich soil. The plants will show you, if weak and pale green, they need some N.

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