Green onions (Allium fistulosum) are a type of perennial onion that is grown for its edible green leaves and white bulb. The leaves are long, thin, and hollow, and have a mild onion flavor. The white bulb is small and mild-tasting. Green onions are easy to grow, and can be harvested throughout the growing season. They require well-drained soil and full sun, and can be grown from seeds or transplants. They are a great addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries.
Planning Your Garden With Green Onions
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Green onions are an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | Green onions are hardy in USDA Zones 3-10. |
| Cold Tolerance | Green onions are cold tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C). |
| Days to harvest | Green onions can be harvested as soon as they reach a height of 4-6 inches, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown green onion plant is about 8-10 inches tall. |
| Spacing requirements | Green onions should be planted about 2-3 inches apart in rows that are spaced 8-12 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Green onions have a high sun tolerance and can be grown in full sun to partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Green onions are tolerant of partial shade, but they prefer full sun for optimal growth. |
| Water requirements | Green onions require moist soil that is well-drained. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. Water the plants when the top inch of soil is dry, and water deeply so that the entire root zone is saturated. It is best to water in the morning, so that the foliage has time to dry before nightfall. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing green onions depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 should be applied at a rate of 1/4 to 1/2 pound per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing green onions is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Green Onions are Popular
People like to grow green onions because they are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and provide a flavorful addition to many dishes. Green onions are also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Companion Plants For Green Onions
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for green onions include:
Common Pests For Green Onions
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow green onions, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- aphids
- onion maggots
- thrips
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
