Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, these flavorful, fast-growing onions will add freshness to your meals and beauty to your garden. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about spring onions!

What are spring onions?

Spring onions (also called scallions or green onions) are part of the Allium family, closely related to onions, garlic, and leeks. Unlike traditional onions, scallions are harvested early, before the bulb fully develops, giving them a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Their long, slender green leaves and small white bulbs make them perfect for salads, stir-fries, soups, and garnishes. But what makes them even better? They’re incredibly easy to grow!

Want to know more about their benefits and why you should grow them? Check out What are spring onions and why you should grow them.

How to plant scallions

Spring onions can be planted from seeds, sets (small bulbs), or store-bought onions with roots. They thrive in garden beds, containers, or even indoors on a sunny windowsill.

Steps to plant scallions:

  1. Choose your method – Seeds, sets, or regrowing from scraps.
  2. Pick the right location – Full sun is best, with well-draining soil.
  3. Sow your seeds or plant your sets – Plant seeds ¼ inch (0.5 cm) deep and 1 inch apart.
  4. Water regularly – Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
  5. Fertilize lightly – Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

For a detailed step-by-step guide, read How to plant spring onions: step-by-step instructions.

Growing spring onions successfully

Scallions are fast-growing and low-maintenance, making them perfect for beginners. Here are some key growing tips:

  • Sunlight: Needs at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
  • Soil: Prefers loose, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
  • Fertilizer: Use a nitrogen-rich feed every 2-3 weeks to support leafy growth.
  • Spacing: Plant onions 1 inch apart to allow for good air circulation.

Want a thriving harvest? Read Spring onions growing: tips for a bountiful harvest.

How to grow spring onions in pots

If you’re short on garden space, you can easily grow spring onions in containers on a patio, balcony, or even a sunny kitchen windowsill.

Steps for growing in pots:

  1. Choose a container – At least 6 inches (15 cm) deep with drainage holes.
  2. Use high-quality potting mix – Well-draining soil prevents root rot.
  3. Sow seeds or plant sets – Space them 1 inch apart.
  4. Keep in a sunny spot – A south-facing window or balcony is ideal.
  5. Water regularly – Pots dry out faster, so check moisture often.

For a complete container gardening guide, check out Planting spring onions in pots: a complete guide.

Harvesting and regrowing scallions

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

  1. Cut and regrow: Snip the green tops 1-2 inches above the soil, and they’ll regrow in 7-14 days.
  2. Harvest completely: If you need the full onion, gently pull it from the soil.

Regrowing spring onions

The best part? Scallions regrow multiple times! If you harvest correctly, you can get 3-5 harvests from one planting. You can even regrow store-bought onions by placing the white root ends in water.

Learn the best harvesting techniques in Spring onions cut: how to harvest and regrow.

Common problems and how to fix them

  • Thin, weak onions? → Lack of sunlight or nutrients. Move to a sunnier spot and fertilize.
  • Yellowing leaves? → Overwatering or poor drainage. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  • Not regrowing? → If growing in water, change the water every 2-3 days. If in soil, check for overcrowding.

Frequently asked questions about spring onions

1. How long do scallions take to grow?

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

2. Can I grow scallions indoors?

Yes! Scallions grow well indoors in pots on a sunny windowsill.

3. 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.

4. What’s the difference between spring onions and green onions?

They are the same! In some regions, “spring onions” refers to young onions that develop small bulbs, while “green onions” are purely leafy.

5. What’s the best way to store harvested scallions?

Keep them in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel, or store them upright in a glass of water to keep them fresh longer.

Final thoughts

Spring onions are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow. Whether you’re planting in garden beds, pots, or regrowing from scraps, they provide a continuous supply of fresh, flavorful onions with minimal effort.

Ready to start growing? Check out these detailed guides: