Holly's Homestead — Bulb & Allium
Spring Onion
Allium fistulosum · Onion family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual/perennial, direct sown
MATURITY 60–80 days
TYPE Annual/perennial, direct sown
MATURITY 60–80 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Regular
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
5cm × 20cm
Depth
1cm
01Harvested before bulbing
Spring onions are simply pulled young, before a true bulb forms — a fast, low-effort crop that can be tucked into gaps between slower-growing vegetables.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow thickly in a short row or block.
Soil
Loose, well-drained, moderately fertile.
Timing
Sow year-round in mild zones for a continuous supply.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Succession sow every few weeks for a steady harvest.
- Keep soil evenly moist.
- Harvest by pulling every second plant to let others size up.
- Feed lightly if growth looks slow.
04Problems
- Onion thrips — silvery streaking; hose off.
- Rust — orange spotting; improve airflow.
- Damping off — young seedlings in wet, cool soil; avoid overwatering seedlings.
- Bolting — less of an issue since harvested young.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Usable from pencil-thickness onward.
Method
Pull by hand, whole plant.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, about a week.
Preserving
See Root Cellaring (curing and storing alliums) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CarrotTomatoLettuceAvoid nearby
BeansPeasRotation note
Fast crop; rotate loosely with alliums as a group.
