How to Grow Spring Onions

Spring onions are a versatile, flavorful addition to any home garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these low-maintenance, fast-growing vegetables are perfect for your planter box, backyard garden, or even an indoor windowsill. But how long do spring onions take to grow? What’s the best way to plant them? And can you regrow them from scraps? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all these questions and more while helping you master the art of growing spring onions.

If you want to explore more about general onion growing, check out our detailed guide on how to grow onions, where we cover tips for growing different types of onions.

Essential Tools for Growing Spring Onions:

Make growing spring onions easier with these five essential tools:

• Garden Trowel – Perfect for planting and transplanting spring onions. Shop on Amazon
• Watering Can – Ensures proper watering for healthy growth. Shop on Amazon
• Soil Testing Kit – Helps determine soil pH and nutrients. Shop on Amazon
• Garden Fork – Loosens soil for better aeration. Shop on Amazon
• Plant Supports – Keeps tall spring onions upright. Shop on Amazon

Why Grow Spring Onions?

Spring onions (also known as scallions) are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to grow. They thrive in small spaces, require minimal care, and are ready to harvest in just 8 to 12 weeks. Plus, they offer multiple harvests throughout the season, making them a cost-effective choice for home gardeners. With their mild, sweet flavor, spring onions are perfect for salads, stir-fries, garnishes, and soups.

If you’re wondering about the ideal time to start planting, let’s dive into the details.

How Long Do Spring Onions Take to Grow?

Spring onions typically take 6 to 8 weeks to grow from seeds to harvestable size. However, the exact duration depends on factors like temperature, soil quality, and the growing method used:

• Seeds: Germination occurs within 7–14 days, with maturity reached around 8 weeks.
• Bulbs or Sets: These can be harvested in as little as 4 weeks.

For continuous harvesting throughout the season, sow seeds every 2–3 weeks. This staggered planting ensures a fresh supply of spring onions for months.

Growing Spring Onions from Seeds

Spring onions are low-maintenance, fast-growing vegetables, and they thrive in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. If you’re wondering about the best methods for sowing seeds and ensuring proper germination, our full guide on onion planting techniques can help you with detailed steps on planting, seed care, and more.

When to Plant Spring Onion Seeds

Sow spring onion seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost of spring, when the soil becomes workable. In the northern hemisphere, this typically happens in April or May, when temperatures range between 50°F (10°C) and 68°F (20°C). For warmer climates, you can start earlier in the year. Alternatively, begin indoors 10–12 weeks before the last frost date and transplant seedlings outside later.

For a continuous supply, sow new seeds every two weeks during spring and summer. This ensures you’ll always have fresh spring onions on hand.

Choosing the Right Location

Spring onions love sunlight, so choose a spot that gets at least 12 hours of direct sun daily. If you’re growing them indoors, place the container near a sunny window. Ensure the soil is well-draining by adding compost, peat, or sand to improve its texture. Aim for a soil pH level between 6.3 and 6.8—slightly acidic to neutral.

Planting the Seeds

• Depth: Plant seeds about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) deep.
• Spacing: Space them 2 inches (5.1 cm) apart to encourage sweeter-tasting bulbs.
• Rows: Keep rows at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart for proper airflow.

No room for rows? Scatter the seeds in spare patches around your garden—they don’t need much space!

Watering and Maintenance

Give your spring onions about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Rainfall usually suffices, but if it doesn’t, water deeply once a week. Sandy soils may require more frequent watering since they drain faster.

Weeding is crucial because weeds compete for nutrients and water. Remove them by hand rather than using chemical herbicides. Watch out for pests like onion flies and fungal infections, which can damage plants if left unchecked.

Harvesting Spring Onions

Your spring onions will be ready to harvest in 8 to 12 weeks, depending on growing conditions. Look for stems that are about 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Use scissors or shears to snip off the stems close to the base, leaving the bulb intact. The stems will regrow 4–5 times during the season.

To harvest the entire plant, gently loosen the soil with a trowel and pull the bulb out. Both stems and bulbs can be stored on the countertop for several days or refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Regrowing Spring Onions from Scraps

One of the most rewarding parts of growing spring onions is the ability to regrow them. After harvesting, you can continue to grow fresh spring onions using just the roots. This sustainable practice reduces waste and allows for continuous harvests. If you want to learn more about regrowing onions and other vegetables, be sure to check out our guide on vegetable regrowth tips.

Using Root Cuttings in Water

1. Slice the onion about 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) above the roots using a sharp knife or shears.
2. Place the root end in a jar of fresh water, ensuring the roots are fully submerged.
3. Keep the jar on a sunny windowsill and change the water weekly.
4. Once the stems reach 5 inches (13 cm), transfer the cutting to soil for stronger growth.

This method allows you to enjoy fresh spring onion stems within weeks, though replanting in soil is recommended for long-term sustainability.

Replanting Roots and Bulbs

Instead of tossing leftover bulbs, simply plant them root-side down in soil. Bury them deep enough so only a small portion of the stem is visible. Water regularly, and watch as new shoots emerge in about 4 weeks. Onion sets—a type of pre-grown bulb—are another option if you prefer quicker results.

Tips for Success

To maximize your yield and ensure healthy spring onions, follow these tips:

• Soil Preparation: Add organic matter like compost to enrich the soil and promote drainage.
• Sunlight: Ensure your plants get plenty of sunlight, especially during cooler months.
• Pest Control: Check for signs of onion flies or fungal infections early and act promptly to prevent spread.
• Crop Rotation: Avoid planting spring onions in the same spot year after year to reduce disease risk.

Common Questions About Growing Spring Onions

How Long Do Spring Onions Take to Grow?

Spring onions typically take 8 to 12 weeks to mature when grown from seeds. Regrown cuttings or onion sets may be ready sooner, often within 4–6 weeks.

Can I Grow Spring Onions Indoors?

Absolutely! Spring onions adapt well to indoor environments as long as they receive adequate sunlight and consistent watering. A sunny windowsill or balcony works perfectly.

What Are Some Companion Plants for Spring Onions?

Spring onions pair well with carrots, beets, lettuce, and tomatoes. Their strong scent helps repel pests that might otherwise harm neighboring crops.

Conclusion

Growing spring onions is a rewarding and straightforward process that yields delicious results in no time. From planting seeds to regrowing scraps, there are countless ways to enjoy these vibrant greens. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll soon have a steady supply of fresh spring onions to elevate your meals.

Ready to get started? Grab some seeds, prep your soil, and embark on your spring onion journey today. Happy gardening!

Key Takeaways

• Spring onions are quick-growing, taking 8–12 weeks to mature.
• They thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.3–6.8 and require 1 inch of water weekly.
• You can regrow spring onions from scraps using water or replanting roots.
• Harvest stems multiple times throughout the season for maximum yield.