How to Grow Scallions?

Growing scallions, also known as green onions, is a simple and rewarding process suitable for beginners. Here’s how to do it:

Planting Scallions

From Seed: You can start scallions from seed indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, or directly sow them outdoors once the soil is workable.
From Bulbs/Sets: Plant the small bulbs (sets) as soon as they are available, typically in early spring or fall.
From Scraps: Save the white bulb ends of scallions purchased from the store. Place them root-end down in a glass of water, changing the water every 1-2 days. Once roots appear, plant them in soil.

Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Scallions prefer soil that's rich in nutrients.
Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches.

From Bulbs: Press the bulbs into the prepared soil, pointy side up, about 1-2 inches deep. Space them about 1-2 inches apart.
From Seed: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart.
From Scraps: Plant the rooted scallion base about 1-2 inches deep, ensuring the roots are covered.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing: Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea.
Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
Mulching: Apply a light layer of straw or mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Overwintering: Cover lightly with straw for winter protection in colder climates.

You can begin harvesting scallions when they are about 6 inches tall and have reached a usable size, usually within 60-80 days from seed.
To harvest, simply pull the entire scallion from the ground or snip off the green tops, leaving the bulb in the ground to regrow.
Regular harvesting encourages continued growth.

Pests: Scallions are relatively pest-resistant, but watch out for onion thrips and onion maggots. Use appropriate pest control measures if necessary.
Diseases: Prevent fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh scallions from your garden.