How to Grow Spring Onions in Pots
Fast, foolproof and almost endless. Spring onions regrow again and again from one pot.
Spring onions (also called shallots or green onions) are about the easiest thing you can grow in a pot, and one of the most useful in the kitchen. They are fast, take up almost no room, tolerate a bit of shade, and regrow after you cut them, giving an almost endless supply from a single pot.
Container and mix
Spring onions are shallow-rooted, so a pot or trough just 15 to 20 cm deep is plenty. Width matters more than depth, the more surface, the more you can grow. Use any quality potting mix with good drainage.
Two easy ways to grow them
- From seed. Scatter seed thinly across the surface and barely cover. They are ready to start cutting in about eight to ten weeks and you can sow thickly, as they do not need much spacing.
- From kitchen scraps. Keep the white root ends of shop-bought spring onions and push them root-down into the pot. They reshoot within days, the quickest possible start.
Position and care
Give them sun to part shade, they are forgiving and will grow on a less-than-perfect balcony. Keep the mix lightly moist and give an occasional light liquid feed to keep the regrowth lush. They have few pests and need almost no attention.
Harvest
Harvest by snipping the green tops as needed, or pull whole plants when you want the white base too. Because they regrow from cutting, snipping rather than pulling gives the longest-lasting pot. Sow or add a few scraps every few weeks for a constant supply.
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Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
Can you grow spring onions in a pot?
Yes, they are one of the easiest container crops. Shallow-rooted and undemanding, they grow in a pot just 15 to 20 cm deep, tolerate some shade, and regrow after cutting for an almost endless supply.
Do spring onions regrow after cutting?
Yes. Snip the green tops and leave 3 to 4 cm above the soil and they regrow for several more cuts. This cut-and-come-again habit is what makes a single pot last for months.
Can I grow spring onions from scraps?
Yes, it is the fastest way. Push the white root ends of shop-bought spring onions root-down into the pot and they reshoot within days. It is a great no-cost way to start a pot.
How long do spring onions take to grow?
From seed, about eight to ten weeks to the first cut, then ongoing as they regrow. From kitchen scraps they reshoot within days. Sowing a few more every few weeks keeps a constant supply.
How much sun do spring onions need?
They prefer sun but tolerate part shade, making them a good choice for a less-than-perfect balcony. Keep the mix lightly moist and give an occasional light feed and they will produce reliably.
See also: How to Grow Spring Onions