You should start green onion seeds indoors eight to ten weeks before your last expected frost date.
To elaborate, starting green onion seeds indoors allows you to get a head start on the growing season. By giving them this head start, you can harvest green onions earlier than if you directly sowed them in the ground.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Determine Your Last Frost Date: This is crucial. You need to know when the danger of frost has passed in your area. You can find this information from your local weather service, agricultural extension office, or by searching online for "[your location] last frost date."
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Calculate the Start Time: Once you know your last frost date, count back eight to ten weeks. This will be the ideal time to sow your green onion seeds indoors.
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Indoor Sowing: Use seed starting trays or small pots filled with a seed starting mix. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
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Provide Adequate Light: Green onion seedlings need plenty of light to grow strong. If you don't have a sunny windowsill, use grow lights.
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Harden Off Seedlings: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, you'll need to "harden them off." This process gradually acclimates them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outside for a few hours each day in a sheltered location, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors.
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Transplant Outdoors: After hardening off, transplant your green onion seedlings outdoors into well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space them about 1-2 inches apart.
By following these steps, you can successfully start green onion seeds indoors and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
