Scallion
Allium fistulosum
vegetableScallions, also called green onions, are non-bulbing onions grown for their tender green tops and slender white stem bases. Milder than storage onions, they are quick to mature in about 60 to 70 days and forgiving of cold, making them a staple of spring and fall gardens. Many types regrow after cutting, giving a cut-and-come-again harvest from a single sowing. They are the easiest allium for beginners and fit neatly into containers, narrow rows, or the gaps between slower crops.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~60 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
1 in. apart (thinned)
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Planting Depth
1/4 in.
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Loose, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Light application at sowing and again at thinning time
Fertilizer
Nitrogen-rich (blood meal or dilute fish emulsion)
🌱 Growing Guide
Direct sow seed thickly in spring or fall, since scallions are cold-tolerant and thrive in the cool shoulder seasons. Sow about a quarter inch deep in full sun and well-drained soil around pH 6 to 7, then thin seedlings to about an inch apart, eating the thinnings as baby onions. Succession sow every three weeks for a steady supply. Keep the soil evenly moist because, like all onions, scallions are shallow-rooted and stall in dry ground, and keep weeds pulled so the slim plants are not crowded out. No bulbing means no waiting for day length.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Mar 18
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Projected first harvest
May 17
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Carrots — Onion scent deters carrot rust fly
- Brassicas — Onion volatiles help confuse cabbage moths
- Lettuce — Compatible root depths; shares bed space efficiently
- Strawberries — Deters aphids near berry plants
❌ Keep away from
BeansPeas
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Maintain moisture consistency; remove debris; plant in beds with good airflow
Rotate allium crops annually; cover with row cover at emergence
Sow in well-drained soil; thin seedlings to avoid crowding
🌾 Harvest & storage
Pull or snip scallions once they reach about 12 inches tall with stems the thickness of a pencil. If you cut them an inch above the soil rather than pulling, many will regrow for a second or third harvest from the same roots. Harvest is flexible: younger plants are milder, older ones sharper. Store them loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week, and rinse off soil only just before use.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Scallions provide vitamins K and C plus the allicin-related sulfur compounds shared across the onion family, which have antibacterial properties. The green tops are notably higher in vitamin K and beta-carotene than the white bases, so use the whole plant. They are very low in calories and add fresh, mild onion flavor raw or lightly cooked, with most of the nutrients best preserved when the greens are added near the end of cooking.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.