A Beginner’s Guide to Having Fresh Bunching Onions All Year
Bunching onions, also called green onions, are a type of onion that is harvested young! They have a similar flavor to regular onions but are milder and more tender. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to stir-fries and more! While you can find bunching onions year-round at most grocery stores, there’s nothing like having your own fresh green onions to use in your cooking. And the best part is, you can grow them indoors!
Keep reading for a beginner’s guide for growing your own bunching onions indoors!
Step 1: Get to Know the Basics of Growing Green Onions Indoors
Growing bunching onions indoors is a great way to add fresh, flavorful greens to your meals. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also incredibly easy to do. All you need is some potting soil, a container, and seeds (or starter plants). In order to get the most out of your green onion crop, there are a few things you should know.
First, green onions are a type of onion that grows in bunches. They have a milder flavor than regular onions and can be cooked or eaten raw! When growing from seed, it usually takes about 8 weeks for the onions to reach maturity. The bulbs tend to be smaller than regular onions, but the flavor is still just as strong! When grown indoors, it’s best to use a light or medium-weight soil and keep the container in an area that gets plenty of light. The soil should be moist, but not overly wet.
Step 2: Get Your Supplies
What You Need to Get Started Getting started with Your Indoor Bunching Onion Growing Project is Easy!
All you need are a few basic supplies!
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
Potting Soil: You’ll need a light or medium-weight soil that drains well. This will provide your seedlings with enough nutrients to get started!
Container: The size of your container will depend on how many onions you want to grow. A 6-inch pot is ideal for smaller crops, while larger pots are ideal for larger, more expansive crops.
Seeds: If you’re starting from seeds, you can either buy them from a gardening center or you can start with an onion set. Onion sets are small onions that have been started for you and are ready to be planted!
Watering Can or Spray Bottle: You’ll need something to water your onions. A watering can is ideal for larger crops, while a spray bottle works well for smaller crops. Alternatively, you can also start with pre-grown onions. This can save you the step of germinating the seeds and putting in a few extra weeks of care.
When starting my indoor bunching onion garden, I germinated my seeds in a damp paper towel. To do this, just wet two pieces of paper towel. Place the seeds on one individual paper towel and spread them out evenly. Then lay the second damp paper towel on top of the seeds. Once that is done, begin to gently fold the paper towels together and place them in a zip-lock bag. And that’s it! Wait 2 to 3 days and you should see your seeds starting to sprout!
Step 3: Set up Your Growing Space
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies, it’s time to set up your growing space. Before you start planting, take a look at the area where you’ll be growing your onions. The spot should be somewhere that receives plenty of sunlight, like a windowsill or a sunny balcony. Then, fill your container with the potting soil. Make sure that the soil is even so that your onions will have a level surface to grow on. Add a small amount of water to get the soil moist. The soil should be damp, but not overly wet. You may also need to prepare your seedlings. If you’re using seedlings, make sure that they’re planted at least two inches apart! If you’re starting from seed, sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and cover them with an extra layer of potting soil.
Germinated bunching onion seeds will look similar to the image on the right. The seeds will sprout radicles which is the little white tail shown here! That’s when you know it’s time to start planting your seedlings!
Step 4: Planting and Caring for Your Onion Crop Once You’ve Taken the Time to Prepare Your Soil, It’s Time to Start Planting!
Plant your seeds or seedlings in the container and make sure that they’re deep enough for the roots to take hold. Then, give the soil a good water and you’re ready to go. As your onions grow, you’ll need to provide a few simple care instructions. Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not overly wet. You can also apply a fertilizer every six weeks or so to give your onions a boost. Additionally, make sure to rotate the container every few days so that all the onions get an even amount of sunlight.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Fresh Bunching Onions All Year Long!
Once your onions are fully grown, you’ll be able to enjoy the bounty of your harvest! Green onions will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store them longer, you can dry them and keep them in an air-tight container. The best part is, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of your hard work all year long. With a little bit of effort and care, you can have a steady supply of green onions right at your fingertips.
Growing bunching onions indoors is so easy and rewarding! With the right supplies and a few straightforward care instructions, you’ll be able to have your own supply of fresh, flavorful green onions all year round. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get started on your indoor green onion growing project!
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