Want to grow your own spring onions? Whether in your garden or on your kitchen windowsill, these easy-to-grow veggies can provide a fresh, year-round harvest with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the best tips for growing healthy, flavorful spring onions!

Choosing the right variety

Spring onions (also called scallions or green onions) come in different varieties, but the two main types are:

  1. Bunching onions (Allium fistulosum) – These are true spring onions that never form bulbs and grow as clusters of slender green stalks.
  2. Bulbing onions (Allium cepa) – These are standard onions harvested early before they develop a full bulb.

For continuous harvesting, bunching onions are the best choice, as they can regrow multiple times after cutting.

How to plant spring onions

Spring onions are incredibly versatile and can be grown in garden beds, pots, or even water. Here’s how to get started:

1. Growing spring onions from seeds

  • Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly in the garden once the soil warms up.
  • Spacing: Plant seeds ¼ inch (0.5 cm) deep and 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart in rows.
  • Germination: Seeds sprout in 7-14 days, depending on temperature and moisture levels.

2. Growing spring onions from sets or transplants

  • Onion sets (small pre-grown bulbs) establish quickly and are ready to harvest sooner than seeds.
  • Plant sets 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in well-draining soil.

3. Growing spring onions in pots

  • Choose a deep container (at least 6 inches/15 cm) with drainage holes.
  • Use a light, well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging.
  • Keep the pot in a sunny location (windowsill, balcony, or patio).

For a detailed guide on growing spring onions in containers, check out Planting spring onions in pots: a complete guide.

Ideal growing conditions

For the best spring onion harvest, make sure to provide:

  • Sunlight: At least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
  • Soil: Loose, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
  • Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.
  • Fertilizer: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to promote leafy growth.

How to harvest spring onions

Spring onions are ready to harvest within 6-8 weeks after planting. You can pick them in two ways:

  1. Cut and regrow: Snip the green tops 1-2 inches above the soil, allowing them to regrow for multiple harvests.
  2. Pull up completely: If harvesting the whole plant, gently pull it from the soil.

For a continuous supply, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks (succession planting).

For step-by-step harvesting and regrowing techniques, check out Spring onions cut: how to harvest and regrow.

Common spring onion growing problems

  • Thin, weak growth? Lack of sunlight or poor soil nutrition. Move to a sunnier spot and fertilize.
  • Yellowing leaves? Overwatering or poor drainage. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  • Plants not regrowing? If growing in water, change the water every 2-3 days. If in soil, ensure they’re not overcrowded.

Frequently asked questions about growing spring onions

1. How long do spring onions take to grow?

Spring onions take 6-8 weeks from seed to harvest, but if regrowing from cuttings, they can be ready in as little as 7-14 days.

2. Can I grow spring onions indoors?

Yes! Spring onions grow well indoors on a sunny windowsill. Just use a deep pot, good-quality soil, and provide at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

3. How do I stop spring onions from flowering?

If spring onions start bolting (flowering), it means they’re stressed by heat or age. Keep them well-watered and harvest them regularly to delay flowering.

4. Do spring onions grow better in soil or water?

They grow best in soil, where they receive more nutrients. However, you can regrow them in water for a few harvests before they weaken.

5. How many times can I regrow spring onions?

Spring onions regrow 3-5 times in soil and 2-3 times in water before their growth slows down.

Final thoughts

Growing spring onions is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh, homegrown flavor year-round. With minimal care, these hardy plants provide a continuous harvest that keeps coming back. Just give them sun, water, and the occasional trim, and you’ll always have spring onions at your fingertips!