Spring Onion Bunch Overview
Description:
- Color: Typically has a white base that transitions to green tops. The white part is often crisp and slightly pungent, while the green tops are milder and fresh.
- Shape: Long, slender stalks with small, bulbous bases.
- Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet compared to regular onions, with a fresh, crisp texture.
Uses:
- Culinary: Ideal for salads, soups, stir-fries, and garnishes. Can be used both raw and cooked. The white base has a stronger flavor, while the green tops offer a milder taste.
- Garnishing: Great for adding a fresh, crunchy element to dishes as a garnish.
- Pickling: Can be pickled for a unique twist on traditional pickles.
Growing Information:
- Days to Maturity: Generally 50 to 60 days, making them a quick-growing crop.
- Planting:
- From Seeds or Sets: Can be grown from seeds, sets, or transplants. Spring onions prefer well-drained, fertile soil and full sun.
- Spacing: Space plants about 1-2 inches apart if growing from seeds or sets to allow for proper bulb development.
- Harvesting: Harvest when the bulbs are about 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter, or when they reach the desired size. You can also harvest them at smaller sizes for a milder taste.
Varieties:
- ‘Tokyo Long White’: Known for its long, slender stalks and mild flavor.
- ‘Evergreen’: A popular variety for its vigorous growth and mild taste.
- ‘Walla Walla’: Often used as a sweet spring onion variety with good flavor.
Care Tips:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Pests/Diseases: Watch for common pests like aphids and diseases like downy mildew. Proper spacing and good air circulation help reduce these issues.
Spring onions are versatile and easy to grow, making them a popular choice for both home gardeners and professional chefs looking to add a fresh, mild onion flavor to their dishes.
