I was wondering if I might revitalize a bunch of withered scallions that I was looking at on my kitchen counter last spring. Equipped with optimism (and a cup of coffee), I made the decision to learn how to plant onion leaves. The rest is a green thumb success story that I enjoy telling my friends.
Why Grow Your Own Onion Leaves?
Just picture being able to pick a fragrant, fresh spring onion leaf from your garden crop anytime you need it. Homegrown onion leaves allow you to play garden scientist without ever leaving your house, taste better, and save money on groceries. You’ll enjoy fresher salads, soups, and other dishes whether you learn how to grow spring onions from onions you already have or from seed.
Understanding the Basics
Spring Onions vs. Green Onions vs. Scallions
Although terms like spring onions, green onions, and scallions get used interchangeably, here’s the quick scoop:
- Spring onions are young alliums with small, bulbous bottoms and long green tops.
- Green onions often refers to scallions—harvested before any noticeable bulb forms.
- Scallions share the same family but can be grown from seed or regrown from bulbs.
The Growth Cycle
Onion leaves sprout when the bulb sends up new shoots. Once planted or regrown in water, they’ll push green stalks in just 7–10 days. Within 4–6 weeks, you’ll have a generous bundle of crisp leaves ready for harvest.
How to Grow Spring Onions from Onions
- Select healthy bulbs: Look for firm, unblemished onions or leftover spring onions with intact roots.
- Prep for regrowth: Trim the green tops to about 2 inches above the bulb.
- Rooting in water: Place bulbs root-side down in a shallow jar with just enough water to cover the base (pro tip: change water every 2–3 days).
- Watch the magic: In under two weeks, you’ll see vivid green shoots.
- Planting out: Once shoots are 3–4 inches tall, transplant into soil—see next section.
How to Plant Onion Leaves in the Ground
Whether you’ve regrown bulbs in water or bought potted spring onions, planting in well-drained soil gives bigger yields.
Pick the Perfect Spot
- At least 6 hours of sunlight daily
- Soil rich in organic matter (mix in compost if needed)
- pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for best uptake
Planting Steps
- Dig shallow trenches about 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart.
- Lay bulbs or rooted tops in the trench, spacing each 2 inches apart.
- Cover gently with soil, firm with your fingers.
- Water immediately to settle the soil.
How to Grow Spring Onions from Seed
If you’re starting truly from scratch, seeds let you try colorful heirloom varieties like red or white spring onions.
Sowing Indoors
- Fill seed trays with seed-starting mix.
- Scatter seeds thinly, covering with a 1/4-inch layer of soil.
- Keep soil moist and at 65–75°F for germination (7–14 days).
- Thin to 1-inch spacing once seedlings show true leaves.
Direct Sowing Outdoors
- Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
- Follow the same row spacing as planted bulbs.
- Maintain even moisture until seedlings reach 3 inches tall.
Care and Maintenance
Consistency is key. Water onion beds 1 inch per week, more during heat waves. Side-dress with balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks. Keep weeds at bay—competition stunts growth. Look out for onion maggots and thrips; row covers can protect young plants.
Harvesting and Using Onion Leaves
When the leaves are 6 to 8 inches long, harvest them. To ensure that interior shoots continue to grow, trim outer leaves first. This technique produces several harvests each planting. Add fresh leaves to stir-fries, salads, or baked potatoes as a garnish.
My Community Garden Triumph
Last year, I taught neighbors how to grow spring onions from seed in my neighborhood community garden. By midsummer, everyone was exchanging onion pancake recipes. One friend even sold bunches at the farmers’ market—proof that small-scale cultivation may lead to enormous benefits.
Tips for Year-Round Green Onion Supply
- Succession planting: Sow seeds every 3–4 weeks.
- Indoor windowsill jars: Regrow bulb scraps in water during winter.
- Container gardening: Perfect for apartment balconies.
Resources & Further Reading
For deeper dives:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I regrow onion leaves from every type of onion?
Most firm, mature onions will sprout green shoots when placed in water or soil, but sweet onions with higher moisture may rot first. Stick with yellow or red globe onions for best results.
How often should I water my onion bed?
Provide about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Overwatering can cause bulb rot, so ensure good drainage.
Is it better to grow onions from seed or bulbs?
Seeds offer more variety and lower cost but take longer. Bulbs or bulbs regrown in water give a faster harvest—ideal for beginners.
When can I start harvesting leaves?
Once leaves reach 6–8 inches tall, snip outer greens to enjoy a continuous harvest without uprooting the entire plant.
How do I store extra onion leaves?
Wrap washed, dry leaves in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag, then refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Interested in expanding beyond herbs and veggies? Check out our Rose of Sharon Bush Care Guide for low-maintenance beauty in your landscape.
