By Umar Nsubuga
Growing spring onions (green onions) is relatively easy, and they can be cultivated in various climates.
Goretti Bagaya who grows vegetables on a commercial basis gives tips on how to grow spring onions.
She says spring onions prefer full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. They thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with good organic matter content. The ideal pH for spring onions is 6.0-7.0.
“Loosen the soil to a depth of 20-25 cm, and remove weeds. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients,” she says.
Spring onions can be grown from seeds, sets (small onion bulbs), or transplanted from existing onions.
She explains that seeds should be directly into the soil. You can start seeds indoors in seed trays or pots for about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant them outdoors once they are about 5 cm tall.
She advises farmers to sow seeds in rows, 2-3 cm deep, with 10-15 cm between rows. Thin out seedlings to 5-7 cm apart after germination. Sow a new batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Watering
“Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination phase. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging. Spring onions prefer slightly moist soil but can suffer from root rot if the soil becomes waterlogged,” explains Bagaya.
Fertilisation
Add well-composted manure or organic matter to the soil before planting. Apply a balanced fertiliser (NPK 10:10:10) once or twice during the growing season to promote strong growth.
Weeding and mulching
According to Bagaya, weeds compete with spring onions for nutrients and moisture, so keep the area weed-free, especially in the early stages.
Mulching
“Apply a thin layer of organic mulch, such as straw or grass clippings, to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth,” she says.
Pest and disease control
Bagaya says farmers should watch for pests like onion thrips, aphids, and onion maggots. Use organic insecticides or natural predators to control pest populations.
Spring onions can be prone to fungal diseases like downy mildew or white rot. Avoid overhead watering, and ensure proper spacing to promote air circulation, she says.
Harvesting
According to Bagaya, spring onions can be harvested as early as 6-8 weeks after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Harvest when the bulbs are about the size of a pencil or when the green tops are 20-30 cm tall.
To harvest, she says gently pull the entire plant from the soil or cut the green tops, leaving the base in the ground for regrowth.
Regrowing from scraps
“You can regrow spring onions from kitchen scraps. Simply place the white base of the onion in a shallow dish of water, and it will start to grow new green shoots. Once the roots develop, transplant the base into the soil,” she explains.
Quick growth
Bagaya says spring onions grow rapidly and can be harvested in as little as 6-8 weeks. This makes them a great crop for continuous, year-round harvesting.
Nutritional value
Spring onions are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, which support immunity, skin health, and bone strength.
They are also rich in potassium, calcium, and iron, which are essential for various body functions.
They are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food, ideal for weight-conscious individuals.
