Scallion

Plant Overview

Scallion (Allium fistulosum) is listed in the Amaryllidaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a perennial commonly grown as an annual crop life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Easy.

Plant ID

PLT-0037

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Plant type

Vegetable

Life cycle

Perennial commonly grown as an annual crop

Growth habit

Clump-forming perennial allium commonly grown as an annual for its slender white stems and hollow green leaves

Mature height

Commonly about 12-24 inches tall

Mature spread

Commonly about 4-8 inches wide per clump

Difficulty

Easy

Growing Conditions

Scallion is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep soil evenly moist for tender, steady leaf and stem growth while avoiding prolonged waterlogging. The database soil reference is Fertile, loose, well-drained loam rich in organic matter. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 3-9.

Hardiness zones

3-9

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Fertile, loose, well-drained loam rich in organic matter

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water needs

Moderate; keep soil evenly moist for tender, steady leaf and stem growth while avoiding prolonged waterlogging

Plant spacing

Space plants roughly 1-3 inches apart for slender scallions, with rows about 8-12 inches apart

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable and the seed depth is About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size. The listed time to maturity is Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable

Germination temperature

Scallion seed germinates well under cool to mild conditions, commonly around 60-75°F, with steady moisture

Seed depth

About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size

Sowing method

Direct sow scallion seed in shallow rows or start seedlings in containers for transplanting; sow successively for a continuous supply of tender stems

Start indoors

Optional for crops that tolerate transplanting; otherwise direct sow

Transplanting

Transplant after hardening off when temperatures suit the crop

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions

Harvest

Harvest when stems reach the desired thickness, usually while still slender and before large flower stalks develop; pull whole plants or cut leaves as needed

Propagation

Primarily propagated by seed, though established clumps can also be divided

Seed saving

Allow selected scallion plants to overwinter and flower, then collect seed once the flower heads and capsules have dried; isolate from other flowering Allium fistulosum varieties to reduce cross-pollination

Pollination

Flowers are insect-pollinated and attract bees and other pollinators; flowering plants can cross with other compatible Allium fistulosum types

Garden Information

Common pests

Onion thrips, onion maggots, aphids, cutworms, slugs, and other allium-feeding pests

Common diseases

Downy mildew, purple blotch, rust, white rot, basal rot, and other fungal or bacterial diseases

Uses

Fresh or cooked stems and leaves for salads, garnishes, soups, stir-fries, noodles, eggs, sauces, and other savory dishes