How to Grow Scallions for a Quick Spring Harvest

Spread the love

If you’re wondering how to grow scallions fast, this guide will show you exactly what to plant, when to plant it, and how to care for your crop for a quick spring harvest.

Contents show

This post may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. Read my very boring disclosure for more information.

If you’re craving something fresh and green after a long winter, scallions are one of the fastest ways to kick off the gardening season. Learning how to grow scallions is simple, beginner-friendly, and incredibly rewarding. These fast-growing green onions don’t demand much space, time, or fuss.

One of the reasons I love growing scallions is how quickly they go from seed to harvest. In just a few weeks, you can be snipping fresh tops for salads, soups, and scrambled eggs. If you’re wondering how do green onions grow, you’ll be amazed at how fast they sprout and thicken.

Whether you’re planting in soil or experimenting with how do you grow green onions in water, knowing how deep to plant green onions and giving them the right care means you’ll have a quick spring harvest ready before you know it. Once you try it, you’ll see why how to grow scallions is such a favorite for early-season gardening!

This is a pinnable post. Tap or hover over any image in this post to pin to your Pinterest Boards.

Image illustrates how to grow scallions.

Why Learning How to Grow Scallions Is Perfect for Early Spring

Early spring soil is cool and moist—exactly what scallions and green onions prefer. They germinate well in cooler temperatures and don’t mind light frosts, making them one of the first crops you can plant outdoors. If you’re curious how do green onions grow, you’ll love watching them sprout quickly and steadily.

Another reason learning how to grow scallions makes sense in spring is their speed. Unlike bulb onions that take months to mature, scallions can be harvested in as little as 3–4 weeks. This quick reward is perfect for gardeners eager to see results. If you’re experimenting with how do you grow green onions in water, you’ll see just how fast they can produce tender tops ready for snipping.

They also fit beautifully into small garden spaces. Whether you’re planting in raised beds, traditional rows, or containers, knowing how deep to plant green onions ensures strong growth. Green onions tuck in almost anywhere, making them ideal for maximizing early spring garden productivity.

How to Grow Scallions: Choosing the Best Location and Soil

Sun, Soil, and Water for Healthy Scallions

When deciding how to grow scallions successfully, start with sunlight. Scallions prefer full sun, but they’ll tolerate partial shade, especially in early spring when the sun isn’t as intense. Aim for at least 6 hours of light per day for the best growth.

Soil matters more than most people realize. Green onions grow best in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in compost to improve texture and drainage. Proper soil makes all the difference in how quickly your scallions size up and thrive.

Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Because scallions have shallow roots, they benefit from consistent watering. A light mulch layer can help retain moisture and prevent weeds from competing with your crop. Knowing how deep to plant green onions ensures they establish strong roots for faster growth.

How to Grow Green Onions in Water

If you’re wondering how do you grow green onions in water, it’s surprisingly simple and perfect for small spaces or windowsill gardening. Take the white root ends of store-bought or harvested scallions and place them in a glass of water with the roots submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Within a week, you’ll see new green shoots emerging, ready for snipping. This method is an easy, low-maintenance way to enjoy a continuous supply of green onions year-round without soil.

How to Grow Scallions from Seed for a Quick Spring Harvest

If you truly want to understand how to grow scallions efficiently, start with direct sowing. Scallion seeds are small but easy to handle. Plant them about ¼ inch deep and space them close together—about 1 inch apart—for a steady harvest.

One of the best tricks for a quick spring harvest is succession planting. Sow a new row every 1–2 weeks to ensure continuous growth. This keeps fresh scallions coming instead of maturing all at once.

Step-by-step backyard farming tips in Becoming a Backyard Farmer!

Get it on Amazon →

Germination usually takes 7–14 days, depending on soil temperature. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, you can thin them slightly or harvest the smallest ones as baby scallions.

Scallion Growing Quick-Reference Table

To make your scallion-growing journey even easier, I’ve put together this quick-reference table. It breaks down the key factors you need to consider—from planting time and soil type to spacing and watering—so you can see at a glance exactly what to do for a fast, successful spring harvest. Use it as a handy guide while planting and caring for your scallions, and you’ll be snipping fresh green onions in no time!

Scallion Growing Quick Guide

Growing Factor	Recommendation	Why It Matters for a Quick Spring Harvest
Planting Time	Early spring (as soon as soil is workable)	Cool weather encourages strong, fast growth
Sunlight	6+ hours daily	Promotes thicker, upright green stalks
Soil Type	Loose, well-draining, compost-rich	Prevents rot and speeds development
Seed Depth	¼ inch deep	Ensures proper germination
Spacing	1 inch apart	Allows dense planting and easy harvesting
Watering	Keep soil consistently moist	Prevents stress and tough stalks
Days to Harvest	21–30 days (baby scallions)	Ideal for a quick spring harvest
Succession Planting	Every 1–2 weeks	Early spring (as soon as the soil is workable)

How to Grow Scallions in Containers

If garden space is limited, don’t worry. Learning how to grow scallions in containers is just as simple as growing them in the ground. Choose a pot that’s at least 6 inches deep with good drainage holes.

Fill your container with quality potting mix and sow seeds densely. Because scallions don’t need much room to bulb, they perform beautifully in tight quarters. This makes them ideal for balconies and small patios.

Container-grown scallions may need more frequent watering since pots dry out faster than garden beds. Keep the soil consistently moist, and you’ll still enjoy a quick spring harvest!

Caring for Scallions After Planting

Once you’ve mastered how to grow scallions, care is refreshingly simple. Water consistently and avoid letting the soil completely dry out. Uneven watering can slow growth and affect flavor.

Scallions don’t require heavy feeding, especially if you amended the soil with compost. However, a light application of balanced fertilizer midway through growth can boost leaf production.

Watch for weeds. Because scallions have shallow roots, aggressive weeds can compete quickly. Gentle hand weeding keeps your crop growing strong without disturbing delicate roots.

Harvesting Tips for a Quick Spring Harvest

Knowing how to grow scallions is only half the equation—harvesting at the right time matters too. You can begin harvesting when the stalks are pencil-thick or even earlier for tender baby scallions.

To harvest, gently pull the entire plant or snip leaves with scissors. If you cut just above the soil line, some varieties will regrow for a second harvest.

Don’t wait too long. Spring scallions are sweetest when harvested young. Regular harvesting also encourages continued production, giving you fresh green onions for weeks.

Expanding Your Onion Patch

If you enjoy learning how to grow scallions, you might also love perennial options. I share more about this in my post on how to grow walking onions, which come back year after year with very little effort.

You can also strengthen your kitchen garden by planting garlic alongside your scallions. If you haven’t yet, check out my guide on how to grow garlic for bigger, healthier bulbs.

Growing different members of the onion family together helps you maximize space and extend your harvest throughout the season.

Conclusion

Learning how to grow scallions for a quick spring harvest is one of the easiest ways to jump-start your garden. They’re fast, forgiving, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

With minimal space, simple care, and just a few weeks of patience, you can enjoy fresh scallions long before many other crops are ready. That early harvest feels like a small victory after winter.

If you’re ready to plant something productive right now, scallions are a perfect place to start.

For more of my food security resources, check out my resource hub: Food Security Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to grow scallions?

When learning how to grow scallions, expect harvest in about 3–4 weeks for baby scallions and 6–8 weeks for full-sized green onions. Cool spring weather supports steady, healthy growth.

2. Can I regrow scallions after cutting?

Yes, if you leave the roots in the ground and cut just above the soil line, many scallions will regrow. This makes them an excellent cut-and-come-again crop for spring.

3. Do scallions need full sun?

Scallions prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade, especially in early spring. At least 6 hours of sunlight helps ensure strong, upright growth.

4. What is the difference between scallions and green onions?

Scallions and green onions are essentially the same thing—young onions harvested before they form large bulbs. Learning how to grow scallions simply means harvesting onions at an earlier stage.