Scallion (Green Onion) Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Scallion (Green Onion) Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Scallions

Planting Schedule:
For a steady supply of scallions, begin directly sowing seeds every 3 weeks, starting two weeks after the last frost and continuing into late summer. Aim for a soil temperature of 21-25°C (70-75°F) for optimal germination, with seeds sprouting within 6-12 days under favourable conditions.


Seed Starting:
Home gardeners benefit from starting seeds in trays. Place 3 seeds about 5mm-1cm (¼-½") deep in each cell of a 72-cell tray. When transplanting, keep clumps intact, spacing them 15cm (6″) apart in rows that are 45-75cm (18-30″) apart. For denser scallion plantings, aim for a spacing of 2-5cm (1-2″) between plants in rows 15cm (6″) apart.


Growing:
Scallions prefer a pH of 6.0-6.8 and thrive in fertile, well-drained soil under full sun. Enrich planting areas with well-rotted compost and a balanced organic fertilizer beneath each row. Maintain consistent moisture in the topsoil. Remember, bulb size correlates with the size of the tops. Late summer plantings should receive frost protection as cooler temperatures approach.


Harvesting:
To encourage bulb maturation:

1. Cease watering by early August.
2. After tops begin to fall, press down any remaining, wait a week, then lift bulbs for curing—spread bulbs in a single layer in a shaded, airy location to cure.
3. For storage, keep onions in mesh sacks or braids in a cool, dry place, checking periodically for any that may sprout or rot.

Properly cured onions should last until late spring.

Scallion Pests & Diseases

Botrytis Blast
To prevent Botrytis blast, a fungal disease that affects scallions, ensure good air circulation around your plants by spacing them properly and avoiding overcrowded conditions.

Implement a crop rotation strategy to avoid planting alliums in the same spot year after year, as this can reduce the build-up of fungal spores in the soil. Water the base of the plants early in the day, giving them time to dry before evening, to keep the foliage as dry as possible. If you detect the disease, remove and destroy affected plants to prevent its spread.

For organic control, apply a copper-based fungicide as a preventive measure during humid or wet conditions, following label directions closely.


Downy Mildew:
Downy mildew, another fungal issue, thrives in cool, wet conditions. To fend off this disease:

1. Water your scallions in the morning so the plants have time to dry throughout the day.
2. Ensure proper spacing between your scallions to improve airflow and reduce humidity levels around the plants.

Use organic fungicides and follow the instructions carefully to prevent the disease from spreading. Keep the garden clean by removing plant debris after the growing season to reduce the risk of downy mildew.