Green onions, or as they are also known, scallions or spring onions, are one of the easiest vegetables to grow. They don’t need much space, grow quickly, and can be harvested multiple times.
No matter if you are living in a luxurious garden, on a balcony or simply have a sunny window-sill. Green onions really do require very little effort – so you might as well have a go at growing some yourself. This guideline will take you through everything that you need to know from planting time right up till harvest season.
Why Grow Green Onions at Home?
Green onions not only are an easy grow, but they add flavor and nutrients to many dishes. They are a good source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber. Also, as home-grown scallions are fresher and more delicious than those bought from the store things can only get better.
By growing your own green onions, you also save money, reduce waste and have fresh veggies all year long. Even if you don't know the first thing about gardening, green onions are a good place to start.
What You Need to Grow Green Onions
Before you start, prepare the following items:
Green onion bulbs or seeds:
You can buy these in a shop for gardening or else use those green onions you have just eaten the root end of.
Pot or container:
For green onions, if you do not have a garden, they can be grown in pots. So select a pot which is at least 6 inches deep.
Potting soil:
Green onions prefer a well-drained potting mix. They don’t enjoy soggy soil.
Watering can or spray bottle:
Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Sunny location:
Green onions require at least six hours of sunlight each day.
How to Plant Green Onions
For green onions there are two main methods: planting seeds and replanting cuttings.。
Choose the right time to plant:
Green onions can be planted almost any time of the year if you are growing them indoors or in a mild climate.But the best time to plant them outdoors is in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.。
Prepare the soil:
Whether you are planting in the ground or in a pot, make sure the soil is loose and well-draining.Fill a pot with potting soil, leaving about an inch space at the top for the sprouts to come up.。
Sow the seeds:
Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep or 1 inch apart. If you are planting in rows, space them 6 inches apart.
Water lightly:
Water the soil gently after planting.Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If you are worried about over-watering, use a spray bottle to mist the soil.
Wait for germination:
It will take about 7 to 14 days for the seeds to germinate, keep the soil moist at this time and ensure the plants get plenty of light.。
Thin the seedlings:
Once the seedlings are a few inches tall thin them out so that they are about 2-3 inches apart from each other.That way, each plant has enough space to grow.。
Growing Green Onions from Cuttings
Save the root ends:
When green parts of the onion are used, save the white root ends.Leave about 1-2 inches of the white part attached to the roots.
Place the cuttings in water:
Put the root ends in a glass of water with the roots facing down. Place the glass in a sunny spot. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
As you watch them grow:
In just a few days you will see new green shoots popping up at the top. At the same time, the roots will also get longer.
Plant the cuttings:
About the time the shoots are 3 inches tall you can plant your cuttings in soil. Plant 1 inch deep in soil and the cuttings about 1 inch apart from each other. Water lightly after planting.
When to Plant Green Onions
Green onions are cool-season vegetables and grow best in cool temperatures.
Outdoors:
The best time to plant green onions is in early spring or fall if you're going to grow them out doors. In spring, plant them as soon as the ground can be worked--this is about 4-6 weeks before last frost. In fall, plant them about 4-6 weeks before the predicted first frost.
Indoors:ca
Plant green onions indoors any time of the year, but make sure they get plenty of sunlight or use a grow light.
How to care for green onions
Green onions are low maintenance plants, but they still need some care to grow well
Water:
Ensure that the soil is always moist but not waterlogged. Whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, water the plants. Though they do not require much extra water, Green Onions should not be allowed to dry out entirely either
Fertilizer:
It is not necessary to give green onions a lot of fertilizer. If you wish, you can use a water soluble general purpose fertiliser every couple of weeks. Do not over-fertilize green onions, as they'll grow tall and weak instead of strong and solid
Natural light:
Green onions require at least 6 hours of sunshine per day. To plant them inside, position them in a south-facing window or use a grow light
Pest control:
Green onions are fairly resistant to pests. However, be on your guard against aphids, thrips, and onion maggots. If you find any pests, pick them off by hand or spray the plants with a non-toxic insecticidal soap water
Harvesting Green Onions
The most wonderful thing about growing green onions is you can harvest them again and again.
Time of harvest:
From the moment your green onions are around 6 inches tall, you can start harvesting them-this is normally about 4-6 weeks after planting. The longer you wait to harvest them, the stronger flavor they will have
Method of Harvest:
Use either scissors or a sharp knife to cut the upper half inch off your green onions above ground level. Leave the rest with white bottoms and roots in place. The upper leaves will grow again in two or three weeks, whereon you can harvest them once more
Harvest the entire plant:
In order to harvest the entire plant, gently pull it out of the ground. You'll be able to use the whole onion in cooking, from the white bulb down through its green tops
Regrowth following harvest:
If you leave the roots in the ground, they'll grow back and you can continue cutting off the green tops. Green onions can regrow several times before they need to be replaced
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the growing period for green onions?
A: Green onions will generally mature 4-6 weeks into viable production and were planted as cuttings, production can start in just one or two weeks.
Indoor green onions can grow it?
A: Yes, green onions can be grown indoors yearround, assuming they have enough light. A sunny window or a grow light works well.
How often should I water green onions?
A: Water green onions whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry. The soil should be damp but never waterlogged.
Do green onions grow from store-bought onions?
A: Yes, you can regenerate green onions from the bottom ends (roots) of store-bought onions. Just place the bottom ends in water until new shoots appear, and then plant them in soil.
Do green onions require fertilizer?
A: Green onions do not need very much fertilizer used on them. You can use a balanced, water-soluble solution every few weeks if you want to, but must remain careful and not over-fertilize.
Can green onions regrow and regrow again?
A: Green onions can be immediately replanted. As long as you are only cutting off the green tops, you can replant them several times before regrowing. They may become weaker after a few cycles, and you might then need to start over sooner.
Are there any pests that affect green onions?
A: Although green onions are generally resistant to pests, they can become infected with aphids, onion maggots or thrips. Watch your plants and promptly treat any infestations if they occur.
Winter can be survived by green onions?
A: Green onions can survive mild winters if they are kept away from frost. In colder climates, try putting them in pots and gardening indoors during the winter months.
Conclusion
Growing green onions at home is a simple and rewarding gardening project that offers fresh harvests all year round. Even if you've never tried gardening before, you can easily manage to cultivate green onions under the most formidable conditions. From planting seeds or stem tips to growing them deep in a container or potted soil, it's just weeks before tender green onions wend their way onto your chopping block. Routine watering and a minimum of attention will keep green onions healthy and green whether they grow them from seed in the garden, on the balcony, Traditional Japanese water-culture hydroponics suits or even in a wine bottle corralled around the double frames of old windows. All that make work for a gardener is returning on His sustenance box: Not only having fresh supplies of such a flexible vegetable as spring onions, but also the thrill of growing his own food.
Enjoy gardening!
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