Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are popular culinary vegetables prized for their mild flavor and tender texture. These cool-weather, fast-growing crops are entirely edible, from the white root base to the dark green, hollow stalks. Unlike bulb-forming relatives, green onions are harvested at a juvenile stage before a large, dry bulb develops. Their rapid development allows for a quick turnaround from planting to harvest, making them a favorite for home gardeners. Understanding the distinct phases of their development ensures a steady, fresh supply.
Starting the Journey: Seed vs. Set
The journey of a green onion begins with a choice between two primary planting methods: seeds or sets. Starting from tiny, black seeds provides the largest selection of varieties, including specialized “bunching” types. This method requires more patience, as the time from sowing to a usable harvest typically ranges from 60 to 80 days.
The alternative is planting from “sets,” which are small, immature bulbs grown the previous season and forced into a dormant state. Sets offer a significant head start, often reducing the time to harvest to four to five weeks. While sets limit the choice of specific varieties, they are a convenient option for gardeners seeking immediate gratification.
The Early Stages: Germination and First Shoots
For those starting with seeds, the initial phase focuses on germination, which requires consistent moisture. Green onion seeds are slow and somewhat unreliable, typically taking between seven and fourteen days to sprout, depending on soil temperature. The seedlings first emerge as extremely thin, hair-like green shoots that are fragile and susceptible to damage.
Plants started from sets bypass this delicate germination period, instead focusing on rapidly re-establishing root systems. Once the roots anchor the set, the dormant plant quickly resumes its growth cycle, pushing up the first usable leaf structures. During this initial stage, the young plants benefit from gentle watering to keep the soil evenly moist without becoming waterlogged.
Developing the Stalk: Vegetative Growth
The vegetative phase represents the period of significant growth where the plant transitions from a thin sprout to a recognizable stalk. The plant dedicates its energy to lengthening and thickening its tubular leaves. For robust growth, the plants require full sun exposure, ideally around 10 hours of light per day, and a steady supply of moisture.
The thickening process transforms the initial threadlike shoots into stalks that reach the desirable pencil-width diameter. Beneath the soil, the white base forms a small, elongated shank rather than a globe-shaped bulb. This stage, which lasts approximately three to four weeks post-germination, demands the most consistent care, as insufficient water or light results in thin, stunted stalks.
Harvesting and Continuous Regrowth
The culmination of the growth cycle occurs when the stalks reach a height of about six to eight inches and the desired thickness. Green onions offer the benefit of continuous harvest from a single planting. The proper technique involves using a sharp knife or scissors to cut the green stalk about one inch above the soil line.
This method ensures the white root base and the growing point remain intact beneath the surface. By leaving this lower portion, the plant regenerates new green shoots, often showing visible growth within just a few days. This regrowth can be repeated multiple times, allowing a single set of plants to produce a continuous supply of fresh green onions throughout the growing season.