Growing Spring onions, also Scallions, Bunching onions, Welsh onion

Allium fistulosum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P    

(Best months for growing Spring onions in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: Plant close together
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Lemon Balm, Borage, Carrots, Beets, Silverbeet, Lettuce, Amaranth
  • Avoid growing close to: Peas, Beans
  • Spring onions

Can be grown from 'sets' (seedlings brought on earlier). Spring onions are grown close together and harvested before fully mature.

Do not like to be too dry. Best in a sheltered, sunny spot. If you are growing onions from seed, you can use the 'thinnings' as spring onions.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Spring onions

Can be eaten raw in salads. Often used chopped and sprinkled on Asian stir-fry.

Your comments and tips

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23 Mar 24, Dot (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
If you grow spring onion in a container inside, can you grow them earlier?
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29 Apr 20, Peter Minchin (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have grown spring onions from seeds for years, but mine are never as long as those I see in the shops. I have been transplanting the seedlings, when about 10cm high, into a shallow row , filling the row in and watering well. Should I be planting them like I do leeks, into a deepish hole with the leaves just extending out of this hole?
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30 Apr 20, Another gardener (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I grow shallots, far easier to grow. Plant 3 bulbs together 150mm apart, good rich soil and water each day or two. Plenty of sunlight. Easiest thing to grow I reckon. You keep some bulbs from one year for the next year. If you want to stick with spring onions try what you are thinking, don't plant too deep though. Hill the soil up a bit as they grow. Make sure you have good rich soil. The plants will show you, if weak and pale green, they need some N.
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29 Apr 17, Ben (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Why can't you plant near peas or beans? If they are growing upwards and spring onions are at the base but a bit off their root system would that help growing close or it just a i don't like growing with you kinda thing..
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01 May 17, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Ben, Best to plant something else in between peas/beans and onions. Peas/beans have symbiotic bacteria amongst their roots which fix nitrogen into the soil, while the onion family are antibacterial - hence they fight one another's good points. If you put say a row of leafy greens between the two, then the argumentative roots of the two foes will be separated, and the leafy greens will benefit from both the extra nitrogen plus the extra pest protection of the onions. Win win win.
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03 Feb 12, Bernadette Staal (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am growing onions and spring onions with Pea's but I notice your web site says these mixes should be avoided, why is this?
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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