Growing spring onions from seed is easy and rewarding! You can enjoy fresh, flavorful onions all season long. Here's how:
Choosing Your Method: Direct Sowing vs. Seed Trays
You have two primary options for starting your spring onions:
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Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly into your vegetable bed. This method is straightforward and saves you a transplanting step.
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Seed Trays (Punnets): Start seeds in seed trays indoors. This gives you more control over germination and allows for easier early weeding. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, transplant them to your garden.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Seed Starting:
- Prepare the soil: Whether sowing directly or in trays, ensure the soil is loose and well-drained.
- Planting depth: Sow seeds lightly, covering them with a thin layer of soil.
- Watering: Water gently with a seaweed solution (like OCP eco-seaweed) to promote germination. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during germination.
2. Germination:
- Timeframe: Germination typically takes 10-14 days.
- Moisture: Maintaining consistent soil moisture is crucial during this period.
3. Transplanting (If Using Seed Trays):
- Timing: Once seedlings have a couple of true leaves, carefully transplant them to your garden bed, spacing them appropriately.
4. Growing and Harvesting:
- Sunlight: Spring onions need plenty of sunlight.
- Harvesting: You can harvest spring onions by snipping off the green tops as needed, allowing the plant to regrow. For larger bulbs, allow the plants to mature fully before harvesting.
Tips for Success:
- Soil: Use fertile, well-draining soil.
- Watering: Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
