COOPERATIVE KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
FACT SHEET
Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program 2020
Green Onions
Dr. Leigh Whittinghill, Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture
There are many varieties of green onions, sometimes called bunching, spring, or early onions or scallions. Select a variety that appeals to your family.
Most onions can be planted from seed from April 1 to June 1, March 20 to June 15, and March 10 to July 1 for eastern, central and western Kentucky.
Green onions take less time than bulb onions and may be planted later in the growing season provided there is enough time between planting and first frost for growth.
Plant seeds at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Final plant spacing should be 4 inches.
If planting in a container it should be 6 inches deep.
2.5 lb/100 sq ft of a 5-10-10-10 fertilizer should be enough for a small garden.
The garden will need 1 inch of water a week, including rain.
Onions can be outcompeted by faster growing weeds. Ensuring that the bed has no weed seeds and preventing weed growth is best. If weeding, be careful not to pull small onion plants accidentally.
Green onions are harvested before the bulbs can develop, when the tops are 6 inches high. This is about 60 days after planting.
To harvest, loosen plants with a fork and remove them from the soil whole.