Allium fistulosum

Green Onion

Beginner
Spring & Summer & Fall & Winter7–14 days to 50–70 days to harvestFull SunContainer friendly

Green onions are forgiving, compact, and useful at almost any size. Harvest the whole plant or snip tops for a small repeat crop.

SpringSummerFallWinter

01 / Overview

A friendly first look

Green onions are forgiving, compact, and useful at almost any size. Harvest the whole plant or snip tops for a small repeat crop.

Gardens do not run on exact clocks. The timing here is a useful estimate; weather, temperature, and variety all get a vote.

02 / When to plant

Give it the right kind of day

Green Onion does best in Spring and Summer and Fall and Winter. If you are starting it after , let indoor seedlings adjust with a few days of .

SunFull SunWaterKeep evenly moist, especially in pots.SoilLoose soil with compost and good drainage.

03 / Growth timeline

From seed to supper

1

Seed

Day 0

Start with fresh seed.

2

Germination

7–14 days

Keep the soil gently moist.

3

Sprout

1–2 weeks

The first leaves appear.

4

Seedling

2–4 weeks

True leaves begin growing.

5

Mature plant

Varies

Growth becomes fuller and stronger.

6

Harvest

50–70 days

Look for the crop-specific signs below.

04 / Ready to harvest

How to know it’s ready

  • Tops are 8–12 inches tall
  • White base is about pencil thick
  • Leaves look upright and green

05 / How to harvest

A gentle, simple harvest

  1. 1

    Loosen the soil with your fingers.

  2. 2

    Pull the whole plant gently.

  3. 3

    Or snip green tops and leave 2 inches to regrow.

Find a harvesting videoOpen a beginner-friendly YouTube search

06 / Beginner mistakes

Small course corrections

01

Crowding too tightly

Notice it early, adjust gently, and keep going. Plants are excellent teachers.

02

Letting shallow pots dry out

Notice it early, adjust gently, and keep going. Plants are excellent teachers.

03

Waiting for large bulbs

Notice it early, adjust gently, and keep going. Plants are excellent teachers.

07 / Care notes

Your quick care checklist

  • Shallow pots work
  • Keep moisture steady
  • Harvest at any useful size
  • Sow a new row monthly

Common problems

Floppy leaves may need more light.

Slimy bases signal excess moisture.

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