How To Grow Green Onions In A Pot

Green onions can be a great addition to your container garden.

This guide will walk you through the process of growing green onions in pots, from selecting the right pots to harvesting your delicious crop.

What are green onions?

Green onions are versatile vegetables that can add a fresh and pungent flavor to your dishes. Also known as scallions or spring onions, they belong to the genus Allium and are closely related to onions, garlic, and shallots.

Green onions are characterized by their long, slender green stalks and white bulbous ends. The green tops have a mild onion flavor, while the white parts are more pungent. They’re commonly used in various cuisines around the world, including salads, stir-fries, soups, and garnishes.

What are some varieties of green onions?

There are several popular varieties of green onions that can thrive in containers.

One such variety is the Evergreen Bunching Onion, which is known for its long, slender stems and mild flavor. It’s a versatile variety that can be harvested at various stages of growth, from young and tender to fully matured.

Another popular variety is the White Lisbon Onion, which has a slightly stronger flavor and thicker stems. This variety is great for adding a punch of flavor to dishes.

The Tokyo Long White Onion is a popular choice for its long, white stems and delicate taste. It’s a great option for those who prefer a milder flavor.

Where can you buy green onion seeds and seedlings?

You can purchase green onion seeds and seedlings at many garden centers and nurseries. Here are three options for where to find them:

Local Garden Centers: Visit your local garden centers, which usually have a wide selection of green onion seeds and seedlings. Look for reputable nurseries or stores that specialize in gardening supplies. They may offer different varieties of green onions to suit your preferences.
Online Seed Companies: Explore online seed companies that sell green onion seeds and seedlings. These companies often provide detailed descriptions of each variety, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs. Read reviews and check the company’s reputation before making a purchase.
Farmers’ Markets: Check out farmers’ markets in your area, as some farmers may sell green onion seeds or seedlings alongside their fresh produce. This can be a great way to support local growers and find unique varieties.

Remember to choose healthy and well-cared-for seeds or seedlings to ensure the best chances of success in growing your green onions.

When is the best time to plant green onions?

The best time to plant green onions in pots is during the early spring months. Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, thrive in cool weather and can tolerate light frost. The best temperature for growing green onions is between 50º to 75ºF.

By planting them in the early spring, you give them the ideal conditions to grow and establish themselves before the heat of summer arrives.

How to choose the pots for growing green onions

Size: Select pots that are at least 6 inches deep to provide enough space for the onion bulbs to develop. A diameter of 4-6 inches is sufficient for a single onion plant, but if you plan to grow multiple plants, opt for a wider pot.
Drainage: Ensure that the pots have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water-logging. Excess water can lead to root rot and hinder the growth of green onions.
Material: Choose pots made of clay or terracotta, as they provide good airflow to the roots and allow excess moisture to evaporate. Avoid plastic pots, as they retain more water.

Which potting soil should you use?

The ideal potting soil for green onions should be well-draining and nutrient-rich. Look for a potting mix that contains a combination of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, and inorganic materials like perlite or vermiculite. These ingredients will promote good drainage and prevent water-logging, which can lead to root rot.

The potting soil should have a balanced pH level, ideally around 6-7, to ensure proper nutrient availability for the green onions. Avoid using heavy garden soil or soil from your backyard, as they may compact in the pot and hinder root growth.

How to plant green onion seeds in the pots

Create small indentations on the soil’s surface, about 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart, using your finger or a small gardening tool. Place one green onion seed in each indentation and cover it lightly with soil.

Water the pot gently to ensure the soil is evenly moist. Place the pot in a sunny location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Remember to keep the soil consistently moist throughout the germination process, which usually takes 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to ensure proper spacing, leaving the healthiest ones to grow.

How to transplant green onions seedlings to the pots

Fill the pots with a well-draining potting mix, leaving about an inch of space from the rim.
Gently loosen the soil around the seedlings, being careful not to damage the delicate roots.
Using your fingers or a small trowel, create a hole in the potting mix that’s deep enough to accommodate the roots of the seedling.
Carefully lift the seedling from the original container and place it into the hole, ensuring that the roots are spread out evenly.
Gently press the soil around the base of the seedling to secure it in place.
Repeat this process for all the seedlings, spacing them adequately in the pots.
Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist.

Where to place the pots?

Sunlight: Green onions thrive in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This will ensure that your plants receive the necessary amount of light for photosynthesis and healthy growth.
Temperature: Green onions prefer cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 75°F. Avoid placing your pots in areas that are prone to extreme heat or cold, such as next to radiators or air conditioning units.
Air circulation: Good air circulation is essential for preventing diseases and promoting healthy growth. Place your pots in an open area where there’s adequate airflow. Avoid crowded spaces or areas with stagnant air.

How to water the green onion plants

Water your green onion plants regularly to keep them hydrated and thriving. The frequency and amount of water needed will depend on various factors such as the pot size, weather conditions, and soil moisture levels.

It’s important to provide adequate moisture without overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. A good practice is to check the soil moisture level before watering. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil, and if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

When watering, aim to moisten the soil evenly throughout the pot. Avoid watering the foliage as it may promote disease.

Remember to adjust the watering schedule based on the season and weather to ensure the optimal growth of your green onion plants.

How to thin the green onion seedlings

Thinning the green onion seedlings involves carefully removing excess plants to allow for proper growth. Here are three steps to help you successfully thin your green onion seedlings:

Evaluate the seedlings: Take a close look at your seedlings and identify the weaker ones. Look for seedlings that are smaller, less vigorous, or have fewer leaves compared to the others. These are the plants that should be thinned out.
Gently remove excess seedlings: Carefully grasp the base of the unwanted seedlings and gently pull them out of the soil. Be cautious not to disturb the roots of the remaining seedlings. It’s crucial to maintain a good distance between the remaining plants to give them enough space for healthy growth.
Consider transplanting
: If the excess seedlings are healthy, you can consider transplanting them to another location or container.

How to add fertilizer to the plants

Green onions are heavy feeders, meaning they require a steady supply of nutrients to thrive. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is ideal for green onions.

Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, phosphorus aids in root development, and potassium helps with overall plant health and disease resistance.

Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, being careful not to over-fertilize, which can lead to excessive leaf growth and weak, floppy plants.

Remember to water the plants thoroughly after fertilizing to ensure the nutrients are properly absorbed.

How to protect green onion plants from weeds

Weeds can compete with green onions for nutrients, water, and sunlight, hindering their growth and development.

Here are three practical ways you can protect your green onion plants from weeds:

Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of your green onion plants. This will help suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating.
Hand Weeding: Regularly inspect your green onion plants and manually remove any weeds that you spot. Be sure to pull out the entire weed, including the roots, to prevent regrowth.
Weed Barrier: Consider using a weed barrier fabric or landscape fabric around your green onion plants. This will create a physical barrier, preventing weeds from emerging and reducing the need for constant weeding.

How to harvest green onions from the pots

To harvest green onions from the pots, gently grasp the base of the onion and pull it out of the soil. Hold the onion firmly to avoid breaking the delicate stems.

If the soil is compacted, use a small gardening tool like a trowel to loosen it around the onion before pulling it out.

Once the onion is removed from the soil, shake off any excess dirt. Take a sharp pair of scissors or a knife and trim the roots at the base of the onion, leaving about half an inch of the roots intact. Next, remove any damaged or discolored leaves by cutting them off at the base.

Your green onions are now ready to be used in your favorite recipes or stored in the refrigerator for later use.