How to Grow Scallions: A StepbyStep Gardening Guide
How to Grow Scallion?
To grow scallions, you can either direct seed them or transplant seedlings.
Direct seed scallions as soon as the soil is workable, in a two-inch wide band, one-fourth to one-half inch deep, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Thin seedlings to one plant every inch.
Alternatively, you can start scallion seedlings indoors four weeks before planting outside and then transplant them.
Egyptian walking onions, another type of green onion, can be grown by home gardeners as well.
Plant the bulbs with the point up, one to two inches deep, and six inches apart.
Weed and water regularly, but do not harvest green onions in the first season.
In the second season, you can cut the walking onion greens like chives.
Pay attention to pests like onion maggots and address any changes in appearance or plant health by diagnosing the cause accurately.
Cultural practices can help prevent diseases such as Fusarium basal rot, Botrytis neck rot, and bacterial soft rot.
Key Points:
- Scallions can be grown by direct seeding or transplanting seedlings
- Direct seed scallions in a two-inch wide band, one-fourth to one-half inch deep, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart
- Thin seedlings to one plant every inch
- Alternatively, start scallion seedlings indoors four weeks before planting outside and then transplant them
- Egyptian walking onions can also be grown by home gardeners
- Pay attention to pests and diseases that can affect scallions and take appropriate measures to prevent or address them
Did You Know?
1. Scallions, also known as green onions or spring onions, are believed to have originated in Central Asia over 5,000 years ago. They were highly regarded by civilizations like the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians for their culinary and medicinal properties.
2. Did you know that scallions are actually immature onions? Unlike regular onions, scallions are harvested when they are young and have not yet developed a bulb. This gives them their delicate flavor and tender texture.
3. In some Asian cultures, it is believed that eating scallions can help prevent and treat the common cold. They are often consumed raw or added to hot soup due to their potential antibacterial and antiviral properties.
4. Scallions are incredibly easy to grow at home. If you have leftover scallion roots from store-bought ones, you can regrow them by placing the roots in water or soil. In just a couple of weeks, you will have fresh scallions ready for harvesting.
5. One interesting fact about scallions is that they are members of the allium family, which includes other onion-like vegetables like garlic, shallots, and leeks. However, scallions have a milder flavor compared to their relatives, making them a versatile ingredient in various cuisines around the world.
Growing Scallions From Seeds
Scallions, also known as bunching onions or green onions, are a versatile and delicious addition to any garden. They can be used as a raw condiment, added to stir-fries, salads, or grilled as a side dish.
Growing scallions from seeds is a simple and rewarding process.
To start growing scallions from seeds, you need to direct seed them as soon as the soil is workable. Create a two-inch wide band, one-fourth to one-half inch deep, in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Once the seeds are sown, thin the seedlings to one plant every inch. This will ensure that each scallion has enough space to grow and thrive.
Alternatively, you can start scallion seedlings indoors, four weeks before planting them outside. This method allows you to control the growing conditions and ensure a higher germination rate. Once the seedlings are strong and ready to be transplanted, plant them outside in well-prepared soil.
Transplanting Scallion Seedlings
Transplanting Scallion Seedlings
Transplanting scallion seedlings is a great option for gardeners looking to cultivate this versatile vegetable. By following a few simple steps, you can successfully move your scallion plants from indoors to the outdoor garden.
To begin, start by sowing scallion seeds indoors about four weeks before your intended planting date. It is important to choose well-draining soil and provide a warm and sunny location for the seedlings to grow. This will help them develop strong roots and healthy foliage.
Once the danger of frost has passed, it is time to transplant the seedlings into the prepared outdoor soil. Before doing so, make sure to trim the roots to a length of one-half inch, and trim the tops to a length of four inches. This will ensure that there is a good balance between the plant’s roots and foliage, promoting healthy growth.
Proper care and maintenance are essential for the success of your scallion plants. Regular watering and adequate sunlight are necessary to keep the plants healthy and productive. With these measures in place, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh scallions.
To summarize:
- Start sowing scallion seeds indoors four weeks before planting date
- Choose well-draining soil and provide a warm and sunny location for seedlings
- Transplant seedlings into prepared outdoor soil after frost has passed
- Trim roots to one-half inch and tops to four inches before transplanting
- Provide regular watering and adequate sunlight for healthy growth
Remember to stay attentive to the needs of your scallion plants, and you’ll be rewarded with a plentiful crop of this versatile vegetable.
Growing Egyptian Walking Onions
Egyptian Walking Onions, also known as “tree onions,” are a unique and fascinating variety of green onion that can be grown by home gardeners. These onions produce clumps of half-inch diameter bulbs called “topsets,” which can be used for propagation purposes.
When growing Egyptian walking onions, it is important to start with topset bulbs rather than seeds. Plant the bulbs with the point up, one to two inches deep, and six inches apart. Ensure that the planting area receives ample sunlight and remains undisturbed throughout the growing season.
During winter, lightly cover the bulbs with straw for protection. In spring, green shoots will emerge. It is advisable not to harvest the green onions in the first season. Once the plants start producing topsets, control their spread by preventing the topset bulbs from falling and growing wherever they please.
Care And Maintenance Of Scallions
Proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring the healthy growth of scallions. These practices include providing adequate water, regular weeding, and addressing any potential pest or disease issues.
Scallions require consistent moisture, and if the planting does not receive one inch of rain each week, the soil should be watered thoroughly at least once a week. This ensures that the plants have enough water to grow and produce flavorful stalks.
Regular weeding is crucial to keep the scallion planting weed-free. Weeds compete with the scallions for nutrients and sunlight, so it is important to remove them regularly to maintain the health and productivity of the plants.
In terms of pest and disease management, scallions can be affected by onion maggot, which causes yellowing and wilting. Various diseases, such as Fusarium basal rot, Botrytis neck rot, and bacterial soft rot, can also infect scallions. Identifying and diagnosing the cause correctly is essential in order to implement appropriate treatments.
Harvest And Propagation Of Walking Onions
Harvesting scallions and Egyptian walking onions is a straightforward process. To harvest scallions, simply pull them from the ground once they have reached a usable size. Loosening the soil with a trowel beforehand can help prevent breaking the plants.
For Egyptian walking onions, the focus is on harvesting the topsets. In the second season, you can cut walking onion greens, which are similar to chives, for culinary use. However, if you allow the topsets to mature and dry on the plant, you can collect them for propagation.
To establish your own patch of walking onions, harvest the topsets in late summer. These topsets can be replanted in a desired location to ensure the continuous growth and production of these unique onions.
- Harvest scallions once they have reached a usable size.
- Loosen the soil with a trowel before pulling them out to avoid breaking the plants.
- For Egyptian walking onions, focus on harvesting the topsets.
- In the second season, cut walking onion greens for culinary use.
- Allow the topsets to mature and dry on the plant for collection and propagation.
- Harvest the topsets in late summer to establish your own patch of walking onions.
Common Pests And Diseases Of Scallions
Scallions, like any other plant, are susceptible to various pests and diseases. The most common pest that affects scallions is the onion maggot, which causes yellowing and wilting. Regular monitoring and implementing appropriate pest management techniques can help control and prevent infestations.
Regarding diseases, scallions can be affected by Fusarium basal rot, Botrytis neck rot, and bacterial soft rot. It is crucial to identify the specific disease affecting your scallions accurately, as different pathogens require different treatments.
To address changes in physical appearance and plant health, correctly diagnose the cause using online tools or seek professional help. Early detection and timely action can help prevent the spread of diseases and maintain a healthy scallion crop.
In conclusion, growing scallions and Egyptian walking onions can be a rewarding experience for gardeners. By following these step-by-step guidelines and practicing proper care and maintenance, you can successfully cultivate these versatile and delicious vegetables in your own garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow scallions?
Scallions can be grown and enjoyed within a relatively short period of time. Typically, it takes about 10 to 12 weeks from the initial sowing until they are ready to be harvested and consumed. However, during the peak growing season, they can develop and be ready to enjoy in as little as eight weeks. It is advisable to start by harvesting the largest plants first, allowing the remaining ones to continue growing and ensuring a continuous supply of scallions.
Do scallions regrow after cutting?
Yes, scallions have the amazing ability to regenerate after cutting. By leaving about an inch of the white part and placing it in water, they can quickly regrow. Using a toothpick to keep it upright, the scallion can absorb water and continue growing. It’s a low-maintenance process, as you only need to keep an eye on the water level and refill it when necessary for optimal growth.
How do you grow scallions from sets?
To grow scallions from sets, it is best to plant them 1½ to 2 inches deep and 2 inches apart. The reason for this closer spacing is because scallions, compared to onions, require less space to grow. By planting them at a shorter distance, scallions can thrive without competing heavily for water and nutrients, ultimately leading to their healthy development and harvest. This method maximizes the use of the available space while ensuring optimal growth conditions for scallions.
Are scallions and green onions the same?
Yes, scallions and green onions refer to the same type of vegetable. The distinction between the two lies solely in the labeling at the store. However, it is important to note that spring onions are distinct from scallions and green onions, as they have a larger bulb compared to the smaller bulb of a scallion. So, while scallions and green onions can be used interchangeably, spring onions have their own unique characteristics.