Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Green onions (scallions) are among the quickest and most space-efficient crops in the garden — they are essentially immature onions harvested before bulb formation. Grow in any well-drained, fertile soil at pH 6.0–7.5. Sow seeds directly 1cm deep in rows 20–30cm apart and thin to 2–3cm between plants — unlike bulb onions, green onions do not need much spacing. Alternatively, plant sets (small bulbs) for a 3–4 week head start. Sow from early spring as soon as soil is workable — green onions tolerate frost to -2°C. Water consistently — 2.5cm per week — never allowing soil to dry; drought causes toughening and sharpness. Feed every 2–3 weeks with a nitrogen-rich liquid fertiliser for rapid, tender growth. Succession-sow every 2 weeks from early spring through autumn for continuous harvest. Scallions can also be grown from store-bought bunches — stand the root ends in water on a sunny windowsill; roots regenerate within days and new green tops in 1–2 weeks. One planting can be cut multiple times from the root zone.
