Green onions are one of the easiest vegetables to collect seeds from. Unlike other plants that can cross-pollinate and produce unexpected results, green onions have a low risk of cross-pollination. This means that when you harvest their seeds, you can be confident that they will sprout and grow into green onions, just like the parent plant.
To get seeds from green onions, you’ll need to let a few of your plants mature and produce flowers. Green onions, also known as scallions, typically flower in their second year of growth. The flowers are small and white, and they eventually produce seed pods. It’s important to note that not all green onions will flower, as some are harvested before they have a chance to reach this stage.
Once the green onion flowers have dried and formed seed pods, you can carefully remove the pods and collect the seeds inside. Gently crush the dried pods to release the seeds. You’ll notice that the seeds are small and black, resembling tiny grains of rice.
After collecting the seeds, it’s time to prepare them for planting. You can store the seeds in a dry, cool place until you are ready to sow them, or you can sow them immediately. If you choose to store them, make sure to label the container with the date and variety of green onion seeds.
When it comes to planting green onion seeds, you have a few options. You can sow them directly in the ground, in a raised bed, or in containers. Green onions are relatively forgiving and will grow in most soil types, as long as it is well-draining. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds or debris.
If you prefer to start the seeds indoors, you can use seed trays or pots filled with a seed-starting mix. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide ample sunlight or artificial light to encourage germination.
Once the seedlings have emerged, you can thin them out to allow for proper spacing. Green onions should ideally be spaced 2-3 inches apart to allow for healthy growth. As the plants continue to grow, you can harvest the green tops as needed, while allowing the bulbs to develop for a more robust harvest later on.
It’s worth mentioning that green onions can also be regrown from the scraps you might normally discard. Simply save the white root ends of green onions and place them in a shallow dish of water. Within a week or so, new green shoots will emerge, and you can transplant them into soil to continue growing.
Getting seeds from green onions is a straightforward process. With their low risk of cross-pollination, you can confidently collect and plant their seeds, knowing that they will sprout into green onions. Whether you choose to sow the seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors, green onions are a rewarding crop to grow, providing a fresh and flavorful addition to your meals.
