Growing scallions from bulbs

Yes, you can grow scallions from bulbs, and it is one of the easiest ways to get a steady supply of green onions. The trick is to use scallion sets (small bulbs sold for planting) or the rooted base of store-bought scallions. This guide covers both methods, with real planting dates, spacing, and varieties that work in USDA zones 3 through 9.

Why grow scallions from bulbs?

Growing from bulbs is faster than from seed. You can have harvestable scallions in 3 to 4 weeks, compared to 8 to 10 weeks from seed. It also skips the fussy indoor seed starting. You simply plant the bulb or rooted base, water, and w ait. This method is ideal for small spaces, containers, and gardeners who want quick results.

Choosing your bulbs

You have two options: scallion sets or kitchen scraps.

Scallion sets: These are small, immature onion bulbs sold in spring at garden centers or online. Look for varieties like ‘White Spear’, ‘Red Beard’, or ‘Nabechan’. A 1-pound bag costs $8 to $12 and contains 50 to 80 sets. Choose firm bulbs, about the size of a marble, with no soft spots.

Kitchen scraps: Save the bottom 1 inch of scallions you buy at the store. Use organic ones if possible, as they sprout more reliably. This is free, but the variety is usually a generic bunching onion, and regrowth may be less vigorous after the first harvest.

When to plant

Plant scallion sets in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop. Here are typical dates by zone:

Zone	Spring planting	Fall planting
3-4	April to May	July to August
5-6	March to April	August to September
7-9	February to March	September to October

In zones 8 and 9, you can also plant in winter for a spring harvest. Scallions tolerate light frost, so don’t wait for the last frost date.

How to plant

1. Prepare the soil: Choose a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours) and well-drained soil. Loosen the soil to 6 inches deep and mix in 1 inch of compost. If planting in containers, use a pot at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes.

2. Plant the bulbs: For sets, plant each bulb pointy side up, 1 inch deep, with the tip just below the soil surface. Space them 2 inches apart in rows 6 inches apart. For kitchen scraps, place the rooted base in a shallow hole, covering the roots but leaving the cut top exposed.

3. Water well: After planting, water thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Scallions need about 1 inch of water per week.

Caring for your scallions

• Mulch: Add a thin layer of straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) at half strength once a month, or top-dress with compost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can make the bulbs rot.
• Thin if needed: If you planted sets too close, thin to 2 inches apart when they are 4 inches tall. Use the thinnings as microgreens.

Harvesting

You can harvest scallions at any size, but they are best when the white part is 1/2 inch thick. Use a trowel to loosen the soil, then pull the whole plant. For cut-and-come-again, snip the green tops 1 inch above the soil, leaving the bulb to regrow. You can get 2 to 3 harvests this way, though each regrowth is slightly thinner.

For a continuous supply, plant a new batch every 2 to 3 weeks. In zones 7-9, you can plant year-round with a break in the hottest summer months.

Common problems and solutions

• Bolting (flowering): If temperatures fluctuate or the soil dries out, scallions may bolt. Plant at the right time and keep moisture consistent.
• Pests: Onion maggots and thrips can be an issue. Use row covers to prevent egg-laying, and rotate crops yearly.
• Rotting: Overwatering or poor drainage causes bulbs to rot. Ensure soil drains well and don’t let water pool.

FAQ

Can I regrow scallions from store-bought ones indefinitely? No, each regrowth is weaker. After 2 to 3 cycles, the bulb is depleted. Start fresh with new bulbs or sets.

Do scallion sets produce the same as seeds? Sets give you an earlier harvest, but seed-grown scallions often have larger, more uniform bulbs. For a continuous supply, use both.

Can I grow scallions indoors? Yes, place a pot with sets on a sunny windowsill or under a grow light for 12 hours a day. Harvest in 3 to 4 weeks.

What is the difference between scallions and green onions? In the US, they are the same thing: immature onions harvested before the bulb forms. Some varieties are bred specifically for bunching, like ‘Evergreen White’.

The bottom line

Growing scallions from bulbs is a fast, foolproof way to get fresh greens. Plant sets or kitchen scraps in well-drained soil, keep them watered, and harvest in under a month. With a little planning, you can have scallions from early spring to late fall. Start with a 1-pound bag of sets for $10, and you will have more scallions than you can use.