Tips For Growing Green Onions In Containers

Green onions (Allium fistulosum), also known as scallions, are a versatile addition to any garden — even one that's entirely on a patio or balcony. As long as you get the basics down, growing them in containers outdoors can be simple yet rewarding. Green onions have small root systems, so a container that's about 6 to 8 inches deep is ideal. A crucial mistake you should avoid when growing onions is allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Green onions do best in moist but well-draining soil, so look for a good potting mix that will hold moisture without becoming compacted. 

For best results, plant green onion seeds by placing them about 1 inch apart and gently pressing them into the soil at a depth of ¼ inch. Water the soil gently immediately after sowing to settle the seeds without displacing them. Keep the soil evenly moist while the seeds germinate; this usually takes 7 to 14 days. If you are growing from bulbs, you should plant them 1 inch into the soil. Ensure the container is in a bright location so the green onions will get a minimum of 6 hours a day of sunlight. These plants are relatively hardy, so they will adjust nicely to outdoor conditions and are frost-tolerant.

The needs of your green onions are simple yet vital as they grow. Once seedlings have grown their first true leaves, apply a thin layer of mulch around them. Mulch retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperature even, all of which are key factors for steady growth. Though green onions don't necessarily need to be repotted, you'll want to watch the nutrient levels in the soil if you are planning for several harvests from the same planting. The reality is that the potting soil that you use does have a lifespan, and repeated harvesting over time can exhaust the soil. 

Feeding monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer will keep your green onions thriving. This will encourage strong growth and help them to continue producing tasty stalks. Green onions do provide amazing flexibility when it comes to harvesting. For a faster yield, cut the greens to whatever height you want and leave the white bulbs and roots to regrow fresh stalks. Or, if you want both the bulbs and the greens, you can pull up the whole plant. This makes green onions highly productive and efficient because, with proper care, one sowing allows for several harvests. If you choose to plant new green onions, you should change your indoor plants' soil.