Green onions, scallions are different name for the same plant. They are those awesome onions used the world over, smell and taste even better. Scallions are harvested before the bulb fully develops. Originating in Asia there is historical evidence that everybody in the ancient world had access to this plant to include Egypt and Mesopotamia. With roughly 3500 years worth of cultivation green onions are usually grown as a annual, but are biennial. They are cold weather, hardy, and low maintenance plants. usually grown in the spring, can tolerant light frost and snow, sometimes left to overwinter.
Plant and go
Botanical Name: Allium Fistulosum
| Depth: 1/4" | Spacing: 2-3" | Row: 12-18" | Temp: 60-75F |
| Germ: 7-14 days | Sun: Full/ 6-8 hrs | pH: 6.0-7.0 | Harvest: 60-70 days |
| Soil: well drained | Water: 1-2" per wk | Container: 4x6" | Fertilizer: 5-10-10 |
| Fert Freq: 2-3 wks |
Details
Green onions can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your areas last frost, or direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost. These are root vegetables that like fertile, well drained, semi loose soil. Depending on if you choose to direct sow or container grow start with the soil. Clear any clumps, rocks or natural obstructions from your growing medium that might hinder bulb and root growth. Mix in compose or preferred fertilizer, recommended ratio is 5-10-10. Scallions like 6-8 hours of direct, or partial sunlight. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in bunches of 4-5, and lightly cover with soil. Space bunches 1-3 inches apart, later thin to 2-3 inches. Set rows to 12-18 inches apart. Germination can take 7-14 days. seedlings can be harden off and transplant 2-4 weeks before your areas last spring frost. Thin seeds once they are 1-2 inches tall, or separate bunches and space 2-3 inches. Green onions do best in temperatures between 60-75F, and can tolerate 30-32F. You could try and overwinter or sow for spring harvest, make sure to use 2-3 inches of mulch. Green onions have shallow roots and need 1-2 inches of water per week depending on climate, and season. Fertilize with a 5-10-10 formula every few weeks, using side dress method. Since Green onions are low maintenance there isn’t much to do except watch for pests, water, and wait.
Harvest
Green onions can take 60-70 days to fully mature. The rule of thumb to start harvest is about 4+ weeks after sowing, and can last up to winter. The leaves are considered ready when they are 6-8 inches tall and ½ inch in diameter. Scallions can regrow about 4-5 times per season. To harvest for regrowth, cut 1 ½ inch above the bulb. If you want to use the whole plant just pull the whole plant out.
Tip
Companion grow with herbs, marigolds, tomatoes and a few other plants to reap the benefits of increased pest repellent and attract good bugs.
Green onion bulbs can be put in soil or water to grow and harvest.
Fun fact
The longest scallion on record is 8 feet 3.68 inches long. Grown by the agricultural rural affairs bureau in Jinan city China Nov 15, 2020
Conclusion
Green onions or scallions is a wonderful plant to add to your garden, or grow in a container inside. If you don't want to by seeds you could buy green onions at the grocery store and grow from the clippings. How ever you decide to grow your scallion its always good to have some fresh on hand.