How to grow spring onions from seed

Onions may make our eyes water, but their value in the kitchen is undeniable. This humble vegetable is a must-have ingredient in countless dishes—spring onions (or green onions), for example, add a fresh, flavourful touch to salads, omelettes, and stir-fries. 

Onions of any kind are a staple in home gardens, but spring onions are particularly easy to grow, making them perfect for even the most inexperienced gardeners. Not only do they thrive in raised garden beds, but they’re virtually pest-free—spring onions mask the scent of neighbouring plants to keep pests at bay, a method called companion planting.

For example, we planted our spring onions next to carrots to deter pests. The carrots released minerals into the soil to encourage the onions’ growth. This companionship boosts the health of both plants and enhances your garden’s overall productivity.

Want to learn how to grow spring onions from seed? Let’s dive in!

The health benefits of spring onions

Spring onions aren’t just culinary delights that enhance the flavour of your dishes; they’re also nutritional powerhouses. These vibrant green stalks are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and well-being. Among the key nutrients found in spring onions are vitamins A, B-complex, C, and K, each playing a crucial role in maintaining your body's vital functions.

• Vitamin A is important for eye health, supporting good vision and a robust immune system. 
• The B-complex vitamins help boost energy levels, support brain function, and promote healthy cell metabolism. 
• Vitamin C is well-known for its immune-boosting properties and role in skin health.
• Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
• In addition to these vitamins, spring onions are a great source of minerals like copper, manganese, iron, and calcium. 
• Copper and manganese are vital for the body's enzyme functions and bone development. 
• Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen in the blood.
• Calcium is well-known for its importance in maintaining strong bones and teeth.

But the benefits don’t stop there—spring onions also contain quercetin, an antioxidant with several health advantages. Quercetin has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. These antihistamine effects may relieve allergy symptoms and provide antioxidant benefits that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. 

How to grow spring onions

Growing spring onions is a rewarding experience and a simple and cost-effective way to add fresh flavours to your meals. This veggie is easy to grow, requires minimal space, and can be harvested repeatedly, providing a continuous supply of fresh greens. Here, we’ll walk you through how to grow spring onions from seed, from gathering your supplies to harvesting your first crop.

What you’ll need

To begin, you'll need a few basic supplies: 

• Spring onion seeds or seedlings (available from garden centres and nurseries). We used young seedlings because they save six to eight weeks in growing time. They will even grow from leftovers from the markets!
• Good quality soil or potting mix. The soil is the foundation of any successful garden, and spring onions thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
• Water. Make sure you have a regular watering routine planned.
• Liquid seaweed concentrate. This liquid fertiliser is highly beneficial for feeding plants and promoting vigorous growth.

Step-by-step instructions

By following these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying fresh, homegrown spring onions straight from your garden in no time: 

1. Choose the right spot: Select a location that receives at least partial sunlight. Spring onions need sunlight to grow well, so aim for a spot with a few hours of direct sun each day.
2. Prepare your raised garden bed: Fill your garden bed with good quality potting mix. If you have compost available, mix a little into the soil to boost its nutrient content.
3. Plant your seedlings: Space them about 5cm apart to give them room to grow. Plant them at a depth where the roots are well-covered, but the green shoots are still visible.
4. Feed and water: Feed your spring onions with a liquid seaweed concentrate every two weeks to encourage strong growth. Water them about two to three times a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
5. Weed management: Look for weeds, as they can compete with your onions for nutrients and water. Regularly remove any weeds that appear to ensure your spring onions have the best conditions to thrive.
6. Harvesting: When your spring onions are ready to harvest, you can pull out the entire plant, shake off the excess dirt, and store it in the fridge. For a more sustainable approach, cut off the green leaves as needed and leave the rest of the plant in the ground to continue growing.

FAQs about growing spring onions

Do spring onions need full sun?

Spring onions grow best in full sun but thrive in partial shade. They require at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily to grow well.

How do I know when my spring onions are ready to harvest?

Spring onions are ready to harvest when they reach about 30cm in height, and the stems are about the thickness of a pencil. You can also harvest the greens as needed for salads and garnishes.

How do I fertilise spring onions for the best growth?

Spring onions benefit from light, balanced fertilisation. Use a liquid fertiliser or a slow-release granular fertiliser with a balanced N-P-K ratio (such as 10-10-10) every few weeks during the growing season. Organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion also work well.

How close can I plant spring onions together?

Spring onions can be planted relatively close together, about 5cm apart. This spacing allows them to grow well without competing for resources, and you can harvest individual plants as they mature, freeing up space for others to continue growing.

How do I protect my spring onions from frost?

Cover your spring onions with frost cloth or even an old sheet at night if you expect frost. This will help protect them from the cold and prevent frost damage. You might consider growing them in a greenhouse or indoors in regions with harsh winters.
 

Bonus Recipe: Uncle Cam’s Easy Beef & Spring Onion Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that highlights the fresh flavours of your homegrown produce? Uncle Cam’s easy beef and spring onion stir fry is the perfect choice! With tender beef strips and the crisp, aromatic bite of freshly picked spring onions, this dish comes together in minutes, offering a satisfying blend of savoury and fresh tastes perfect for any weeknight dinner. 
Ingredients

• 4 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 bunches of broccolini
• 1/2 cup (125mL) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (125mL) water
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 500g sliced stir fry beef
• 1 bunch of spring onions, sliced on an angle and extra to garnish (use white and green parts)

Method

1. Heat two teaspoons of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add garlic and ginger. Cook and stir for 30 seconds or until they release their fragrance. 
2. Pour in the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Cook and stir for four minutes or until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens. Set aside.
3. Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the beef and stir-fry until brown (around two minutes). 
4. Add broccolini and spring onions, then cook for one minute. 
5. Add sauce mixture and toss to combine.
6. Garnish with extra spring onions and serve with brown rice or rice noodles.
    

Start growing fragrant spring onions at home with a raised garden bed from the Organic Garden Co! Shop online today.