Growing spring onions at home can be challenging, but it doesn’t need to be. With the right techniques and maintenance, you’ll have plenty of delicious onion bulbs in no time.
There are two options for growing spring onion indoors. You can grow them in water, or soil according to your preference. Check for the specific needs in light exposure, fertilizing, and temperature. The right pot and spot are the basis for good growth.
In this blog post, I portray how to grow spring onions indoors and how to maintain them for optimum growth and flavor. We will also review some of the best techniques for growing these plants at home!
How to grow spring onions indoors?
Spring onions are a staple in most kitchens. They’re usually grown outside, but that’s not an option for some people these days.
Not only is it easy to grow spring onions indoors, but they can also be used as a substitute for onions, scallions, green onions, and leeks.
Even if they are not the same plant, you can swap them out in recipes without major changes.
When planting the spring onion indoors, different maintenance is required.
Indoor-grown spring onions are sheltered from harsh conditions, so you can keep this out of your mind.
But what are the best ways to grow spring onions indoor?
Growing conditions of indoor spring onions
Spring onions don’t need a lot of space, so if you have a small apartment with no garden or balcony, they are a good choice to grow.
The spring onion has a milder taste than other types. Spring onions are usually smaller in size and have long leaves that grow vertically.
The optimal temperature for growing spring onions indoors is 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature needs to be moderate because too cold or hot of a temperature can damage the plant’s roots.
Lighting also plays an important role in indoor gardening.
Close relatives of spring onions are garlic, leek, chive, shallot, and Chinese onions.
Spring onions indeed need a good amount of sun, but they also thrive in partial shade. The daylight amount they need ranges from 12 to 16 hours, depending on which variety you are growing.
If your chosen spot is not getting enough sunlight, you should support your plants with artificial lighting.
Keep in mind that not all artificial lighting sources are fit for this type of plant. Fluorescent lighting or LED’s are the best options for this type of onion, as they provide a balanced spectrum and do not produce too much heat.
Spring Onions prefer a pH in the range of 6,0 – 7,0 with nutrients that provide them good amounts of nitrogen content. Most spring onions are ready for harvest after about 60 days.
Growing spring onions in soil
To grow spring onions in a pot, you will need to have a suiting pot, compost, fertilizer, and soil with good organic matter.
There are many different types of soil mixes that work for spring onions. However, peat moss and perlite are great options.
If you want to start with seeds, you should germinate them to boost their growth. First, soak them overnight and then plant them in a light growing medium.
After the seedlings are grown enough, you can go ahead. If you got yourself pregrown seedlings, you can start now.
The best way to grow spring onions indoors in potting soil is to start with the right container. The container should be at least 6 inches deep and have drainage holes at the bottom.
Spring onions provide you with vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K .
You’ll also need a suiting medium that fits spring onions.
You can either get yourself a pre-made soil mix or make your own. Start by mixing equal parts of potting soil, compost, and perlite. You can also add some organic fertilizer to the mix.
Just fill the container with the soil mix and plant the spring onions a quarter of an inch apart from one another. Cover the onions with a quarter-inch of soil and water well.
Place the container in a sunny spot and water regularly. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a suiting fertilizer. Continue watering until the shoots appear, but don’t overwater as this will cause your spring onions to rot!
Growing spring onions in water
Spring onions are a great addition to any dish and can be easily grown at home. You can also grow them just in water. First, you’ll need some seedlings to start.
You can purchase them, which are not too expensive, and ready to plant out. As an alternative option, you could also set your own seeds and let them germinate.
With a soil-free environment, maintenance will be much more simple.
You have to remember that you need fertilizer. There’s no soil and other organic matter supplying nutrients for your plants which can lead them into a nutrient deficiency!
Be careful when picking fertilizers, so you know what kind of fertilizer works best for spring onions.
Make sure the water is clean and free of toxic ingredients when adding it to your trays.
The ideal pH for hydroponic spring onions is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Now, you’re ready for transplanting the sprouted seedlings in a pot, container, glass, or jar filled with water.
Put the bulbs in water, making sure they are completely submerged. You can place rocks around them to keep them down. Change the water every day until you see roots starting to grow, then change the water once per week.
Make sure that the water is changed regularly or ensure a filtering and pump system.
Lastly, wait for the onions to grow and you’re all set! You’ll be surprised at how easy it can be done at home without any hassle.
Do spring onions grow better in soil or water?
It is a common misconception that onions grow better in water. In reality, though, they will grow in either scenario!
In general, spring onions don’t even have a preference for soil versus water because their growth isn’t impacted by the type of substrate.
Spring onions grow well as long as their requirements are met.
Just remember that the spring onion plant has different varieties. Make sure you are well informed about the variety you own and how it needs care.
Monitor the plant and if you notice any negative changes, adjust your care.
Can you grow spring onions all year round?
Growing spring onions indoors all year may sound like an impossible task at first glance, but it’s not.
While the spring onions would die during the colder months, you can either overwinter them indoors or grow them indoors all through.
But overwintering spring onions bulbs, keeping them alive will not produce a fresh harvest.
However, there is the possibility of artificially changing the rhythm of the plants. So the plant can be led to believe that it is a different time of year.
If you adjust the lighting conditions using artificial light and temperature by heating, a plant can be played every season of the year.
So you can harvest all year round without worrying about the right time.
How do you regrow spring onions at home?
When regrowing spring onions, you need to take a cutting from an existing onion. Cut off a thin slice from the top end of the onion and then set it in a glass of water.
Place the glass in a sunny spot and change the water every day until the bulb is rooting. New spring onion leaves will start to grow within a few days.
Another way to regrow spring onions is to place the spring onion cutting directly in a small pot with soil. Cover the cutting with soil and then water it regularly. New onion leaves will start to grow within a few days.
Both of these methods are easy and take very little time or effort. Spring onions are a great addition to any meal, so why not grow them from leftovers?
How many times can you regrow green onions in water?
You can regrow green onions in water multiple times before they start to wilt. Green onions are easy to regrow in water!
After using the leaves, repeat the same steps you used when growing spring onion sprouts for the first time.
You can then either use your new batch of sprouts or store them in a plastic bag with some air holes punched into it for up to two weeks until you are ready to eat them.
What do you do with spring onion flowers?
One thing you can do with the flowers of spring onion is to use them as a garnish for your fish dish. You can also sprinkle them on a salad before serving it.
As well as using them as a garnish, you can also use the flowers in your cooking. They have a mild onion flavor that will add flavor to your dish.
You can even use them as a decoration for your flower arrangements, another idea would be using dried flowers.
The next time you see spring onions with their beautiful white flowers, don’t throw them away.
You can either use the flowers for dishes or keep the flowers to enjoy!
Which are the best varieties of green onion?
Green onions are also known as scallions. Fabaceae is the scientific name of the plant family that green onions belong to. Green onions are the most commonly eaten form of onion in the US.
These vegetables are good sources of vitamin A, vitamin K, and potassium along with various antioxidants.
Green onions appear in many different ways, and there are many different varieties.
I will show you the most common green onion varieties that you might want to grow.
White Lisbon
The White Lisbon green onion is a widely grown variety of spring onions that was bred to be a rounder, sweeter version of the regular green onion.
It is primarily grown in North America as a spring-time crop, while in Asia, it is grown as a summer crop.
The White Lisbon green onion has a mild flavor and primarily white leaves. This specific variety of green onion has been known to be used in many dishes.
Crystal Wax
The Crystal Wax spring onion is a more flattened and broader version of the White Lisbon green onion.
What makes this variety unique? Its color, which is a beautiful light purple like the Crystal Wax flower it was developed from.
These spring onions tend to be less pungent than other types of onions and provide a sweet, light flavor. Growing Crystal Wax spring onions are ideal for those with an aversion to strong onion flavors.
Crystal Wax spring onions are also well-known for their attractive appearance on salads or as a garnish.
Eclipse
The Eclipse green onion is a member of the Allium genus that is most commonly cultivated in the western United States.
The Eclipse green onion has blossoms that can be either pink, lavender, or white. The leaves are light to dark green and can produce bulbs that can be 3 inches or more in size.
The Eclipse green onion is a hardy plant that can be grown in a variety of soil types and climates. It does best when planted in full sun but will also grow well in partial shade.
Sweet Spanish
The Sweet Spanish spring onion is a sweet and mild onion that is perfect for salads, cooking, and garnishes. This onion is a great choice for those who want a mild sweetness.
Sweet Spanish spring onions are available year-round and can be grown indoors without too much fuzz.
Try using this sweet onion in your next salad or cooked dish for a touch of freshness. You won’t be disappointed!
Southport White Globe
The Sulphur in the spring onions can lower your blood sugar level.
The Southport White Globe is a spring onion that has an elongated white bulb with a green stem. It tastes great raw, but can also be cooked in many dishes.
It is a type of storage onion, meaning that it can be stored for long periods. The “White Globe” spring onion is a hybrid variety, meaning that it is the result of two different types of onions being crossed.
The flavor is also milder than many onions, which makes it well suited for use in cooking dishes where strong or pungent flavors are not desired.
It is commercially grown in the northern United States.
What grows well with spring onions?
When you grow more than one vegetable in one pot, you can save space and time. You also don’t have to worry about fertilizing as much because the vegetables will help each other out.
Another advantage of growing more than one vegetable in one pot is that you’ll get to harvest your vegetables at different times. This means that you’ll have a continuous supply of fresh vegetables.
But what grows well with spring onions?
Carrots
If you’re looking for a way to add some healthy and delicious vegetables to your indoor garden, consider growing carrots.
Carrots are a great source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin A. Antioxidants are important for keeping your body healthy and can help protect you from disease. They’re also easy to grow and can be harvested throughout the season.
Carrots and spring onions can be easily grown together in the same container. The soil should be mixed beforehand to make sure that it is well-balanced.
Spring onions need a deeper planting depth. The carrots, on the other hand, should be planted closer to the surface because they grow better that way.
Cabbage
Cabbage can be successfully grown in containers, and it has been an essential part of European and North American diets for a long time.
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which means that it is part of the Brassicaceae family. Some of the other vegetables in this family include broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts.
Cabbage and Spring onion grow well together. They both have a similar nutrient profile, so together, they will balance each other out.
Cabbage and spring onion are both cool-season crops that can be grown together. They have a similar nutrient profile, and as a result, can balance each other out. Spring onion, as well as cabbage, prefers moderate temperatures.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a good choice for a garden crop because they are relatively easy to grow and are very productive.
Tomatoes are a warm-season crop, so they are great for indoor gardening. They require full sun and fertile soil to grow well. You can either plant them in the ground or containers.
It is unchallenging to grow spring onions and tomatoes in the same container. The plants don’t need to be spaced far apart, because they prefer similar nutrients and watering.
Beets
Beets are an awesome vegetable that provides your body with vitamin C and you can eat the roots either boiled or roasted.
Beets have been used as a natural remedy for both constipation and diabetes. Beets can be grown from transplants or seeds.
Beets and onions are two vegetables that can be grown together very easily.
They both need relatively the same amount of sunlight, water, and soil. Additionally, they both grow well at the same temperature.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be grown in garden beds, containers, and even in water. Lettuce is easy to grow and does well in a variety of soil types.
Lettuce can be started from seeds or transplants. Seeds are planted directly in containers, and transplants can be purchased at your local garden center.
Lettuce needs full sun to grow well, but can also tolerate light shade. Plant lettuce in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Growing lettuce with spring onion is an ideal combination! Placing one of each in your kitchen garden is a great way to save space.
Get started this spring by adding some lettuce and spring onion to your container with soil rich in compost or aged manure.
Leeks
Leeks have long, dark-green leaves and a sturdy stalk. Leeks are often used in soups and sauces, and can also be eaten raw in salads or pickled.
Many people across the world use leeks as a vegetable and common side dish. They’re also sometimes referred to as poor man’s asparagus.
Leek and spring onion are both biennial plants that grow well together. They can be planted indoors in a pot, and they will thrive without fighting about nutrients.
