Scallions, also called green onions or spring onions, are a favorite among home gardeners for their fast growth, mild flavor, and ease of care. They’re versatile in the kitchen and even more impressive in the garden, especially when grown in containers. With a little planning and minimal effort, you can enjoy a never-ending supply of scallions right from your patio, balcony, or windowsill. This guide covers how to grow, regrow, and repeatedly harvest scallions using containers.
Why Grow Scallions in Containers?
Scallions are the perfect crop for container gardening. They don’t need much space, and their shallow roots make them ideal for pots, recycled containers, or even plastic bottles. Container gardening gives you more control over the growing conditions, helping you avoid common problems like soil-borne diseases and overcrowding.
The best part? Scallions are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow from kitchen scraps, so you can reduce food waste while growing your own greens.
Picking the Right Container
Scallions don’t need deep soil, but they do need room to grow in clusters. Choose a container that is at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes at the bottom. You can use traditional pots, window boxes, rectangular planters, or even repurposed items like food containers or plastic bins, as long as there’s good drainage.
If you’re tight on space, vertical containers or small crates will also work. Scallions are light feeders and compact growers, so you can easily grow multiple batches even on a small ledge or balcony.
Preparing the Growing Medium
The ideal soil mix for scallions is loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich. A basic potting mix combined with a handful of compost and some perlite or sand for aeration works well. Avoid dense, heavy soils that hold too much water, as scallions are prone to root rot in soggy conditions.
Before planting, mix in some organic fertilizer or compost to give your plants a good start.
Ways to Plant Scallions
You can grow scallions from seeds, starter bulbs (sets), or kitchen scraps. Each method is simple and effective:
From Seeds:
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Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart.
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Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
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Keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout—usually within 7 to 14 days.
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Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they grow a few inches tall.
From Sets:
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Place young scallion bulbs about 2 inches apart in the container.
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Plant them with the root end down and green tips just above the soil.
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Water thoroughly after planting.
From Kitchen Scraps:
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Save the white bulb and root end when chopping scallions.
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Place the root ends upright in a shallow cup of water.
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Change the water daily. After a few days, green shoots will reappear.
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Once roots are an inch long and greens begin growing, transplant them into soil.
Care and Maintenance
Scallions are low-maintenance but benefit from consistent care:
Watering:
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soaked. Overwatering can cause root rot, while dry soil can lead to thin, weak stalks.
Sunlight:
Place containers in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sun daily. Indoors, use a sunny windowsill or supplement with grow lights.
Feeding:
Scallions are light feeders but appreciate an occasional boost. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer or compost tea every 2–3 weeks to encourage healthy growth.
Weeding and Pests:
While container scallions face fewer pests, occasional aphids or fungus gnats may show up. Wipe leaves with soapy water or spray neem oil if needed.
Harvesting for Continuous Growth
Scallions grow quickly and are ready to harvest in 30–50 days. When they reach about 6–8 inches tall, snip the greens an inch above the soil line using scissors or a sharp knife. This method allows the base to remain intact and regrow.
You can harvest scallions multiple times from the same plant. To keep a steady supply, stagger plantings every 2–3 weeks or maintain several containers at different growth stages.
Tips for a Better Harvest
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Don’t overcrowd your container—give each plant room to grow.
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Trim yellow or wilted leaves to keep the plants healthy.
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Use mulch like dry grass or rice hulls to retain moisture in hot weather.
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Replenish the soil or top up with compost every few months to refresh nutrients.
Conclusion
Growing scallions in containers is an efficient and sustainable way to enjoy fresh greens all year round. Whether you’re reusing food scraps or starting from seeds, the process is simple and highly rewarding. With regular harvesting and basic care, you’ll have a steady, homegrown supply of scallions for your cooking needs—right outside your door or even on your kitchen counter.
