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
  S                    
      P                

(Best months for growing Spring onions in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • 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 10°C and 20°C. (Show °F/in)
  • 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

Your comments and tips

10 Nov 14, Kelly (Australia - tropical climate)
We have brought two sets of different brands of spring onion seeds and neither have done anything not even germinated. The packets said they can be planted now. We have been watering and fertilising but the garden beds are new and dont have a lot of nutrients. But I would expect they would sprout and then not thrive not have nothing comeup. Any tips or ideas as to why this may be. Many thanks
07 Aug 22, Tom (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Trying to grow these from seed is difficult. The tiny seedlings are easy to lose as well. Honestly just buy a bunch from a shop, cut the bottoms off about an inch long them put them into potting mix. You'll have usable tops within a month. Far, far easier than trying to grow from seed. I had aso failed to grow from seed many times, and then realised I wasted my time with that. They take very readily as cuttings from mature plants.
07 May 18, hamish (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
onion seeds do not keep very well. storing in freezer improves viability. ...you are lucky to store viable seeds for more than a year in ambient condition....check the use by date.....a good long date will improve your success. Also check variety - it helps to have local seeds from successful crop.
01 Sep 14, Adern Nkandela (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is it not possible to grow and plant spring onions in september?
07 Jul 15, hennie Mulder (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Like all onions they can be grown in warmer areas if you are in a frost free area of course you can plant them in containers for an early start
07 Aug 14, may (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
can u grow the spring onions in a cold frame temp gets up to 10 to 20 when the sun isout
17 Sep 14, abishek (Australia - tropical climate)
yes they can grow in tempreturs from minus 30 to 20 degrees
31 Jul 14, Camila (Australia - temperate climate)
My shallots have a lot black tiny insects on them. They cover almost the whole plant however until where i can see they don't eat it. Now the same are going to my chives. Already tried neem oil but no succeed. what can i do?
07 Nov 13, doug dewar (Australia - arid climate)
i have planted onions and spring onions over the top of pea mulch of which has germinated,i have been pulling out the peas so there is no more,i would like to know if i should use sulphate of potash to balance out the high level of nitrogen in the soil.If you could steer me in the right direction as i really don't want to lose my vegies and still want good growth in them,hoping you can help me.regards doug dewar.
06 Oct 13, Vicky (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Spring onions that I grew from seeds resemble toothpicks for almost 2-3 months through winter. They usually "thicken up" when the weather warms up and I find after I cut the leaves (and use in my cooking), the new leaves get thicker (as thick as the one you buy) and they keep coming back.
Showing 21 - 30 of 69 comments

How long does it take for a spring onions?

- Anonymous

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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. Gardenate 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.