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 50°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • 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
  • Spring onions

Can be grown from 'sets' (seedlings brought on earlier). Spring onions are grown close together and harvested before fully mature.

Do not like to be too dry. Best in a sheltered, sunny spot. If you are growing onions from seed, you can use the 'thinnings' as spring onions.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Spring onions

Can be eaten raw in salads. Often used chopped and sprinkled on Asian stir-fry.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
26 Oct 22, Jas mine me (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Ok i understand thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Aug 17, NIGEL (Australia - tropical climate)
IS SPRING ONION ANNUAL OR PREANNUAL (perennial?)
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Aug 19, Arthur (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown spring onions as perennials for a couple of years now, i trim the tops and outer leaves off to eat and leave them growing. the plants were originally from the supermarket shelf i put the cut bottom root section in water for a month or so before transplanting outside. they just keep growing.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Most onions are grown annually. Too much messing around I would imagine to regrow. Otherwise cut the roots off and put in water and they will grow. Google it.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Dec 15, jeff (Australia - tropical climate)
what are the best time to grow spring onion
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Aug 22, Tom (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I put the cuttings off my store bought shallots into soil in Nov last year, they are still growing. So I don't think there is a 'time' really. They seem to be happy no matter what. Just don't let them dry out. Easiest herb to grow, I tried to grow them from seed many times always losing the tiny seedlings. But regrowing from store bought is so easy and they start producing new leaves within weeks.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Dec 15, Gay McCosker (Australia - tropical climate)
I have been putting spring onion ends ( left over from the restaurant where I work) in the garden all year, they do a,as ingle well, all grow quite quickly. The Welsh onions don't seem to be as sturdy but I have had success with planting them in the dry winter months
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Sep 15, birdlover (Australia - temperate climate)
I want to plant them in the same bed as peas what should i do?
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Sep 16, Stan (Australia - temperate climate)
Go for it - mine are in the same bed and are going strong so far. Just don't plant the rows too close together or the peas will try to climb up the onion plants and smoother them.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Nov 14, may (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
when u cut off the spring onion to level ground how often can u grow your spring onion over again in the same soil thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 1 - 10 of 55 comments
See comments for all plants

I have been putting spring onion ends ( left over from the restaurant where I work) in the garden all year, they do a,as ingle well, all grow quite quickly. The Welsh onions don't seem to be as sturdy but I have had success with planting them in the dry winter months

- Gay McCosker

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.