Learn how to grow green onions from seeds in Canada with this expert guide. Discover the best planting time, soil preparation, care tips, and harvesting methods. Visit DH Garden Centre in Vancouver for premium seeds, soil, and compost.
Green onions, also known as scallions, are one of the easiest and most productive crops for Canadian gardeners. Whether you are gardening in Vancouver’s mild coastal climate or in cooler Canadian regions, learning how to grow green onions from seeds in Canada gives you a reliable, flavorful harvest all year. These slender greens fit beautifully into garden beds, raised beds, and containers, making them perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know-from choosing varieties, preparing soil, planting, watering, harvesting, and overwintering. Throughout the guide, you will also find recommendations for premium soil, compost, fertilizers, and seeds available at DH Garden Centre, Vancouver’s trusted destination for all gardening needs.
1. Understanding Green Onions (Scallions)
Green onions (Allium fistulosum) are non-bulbing onions grown for their tender green stalks and mild white bases. They offer a fresh onion flavor without the sharpness of mature bulbs. When you grow green onions from seeds in Canada, you get consistent quality, strong growth, and a continuous supply of flavorful greens.
Why gardeners choose to grow green onions from seeds in Canada
• More economical than buying transplants
• Ability to select premium, hardy varieties
• Better adaptability to local soil and climate
• Year-round growing potential, especially in Vancouver
• Excellent for succession planting and continuous harvest
Scallions are also incredibly versatile in cooking, perfect for stir-fries, soups, omelets, salads, and garnishes.
2. Best Time to Plant Green Onions in Canada
Timing is crucial when you plan to grow green onions from seeds in Canada. Fortunately, scallions are cold-tolerant and can handle light frost, making them suitable for most Canadian regions, especially Vancouver.
Recommended planting schedule
Early Spring (March-May):
Direct sow as soon as soil is workable above 5°C.
Late Summer-Early Fall (August-September):
Ideal for overwintering in mild climates like Vancouver.
Indoor sowing (Year-round):
Start seeds indoors during winter and transplant outdoors when temperatures rise.
For Vancouver gardeners, you can enjoy up to three full green onion cycles per year thanks to the coastal climate.
3. Choosing the Right Green Onion Variety
At DH Garden Centre, we offer premium varieties that thrive when you grow green onions from seeds in Canada. Each variety has unique qualities in flavor, color, and resilience.
Top varieties for Canadian climates
1. Evergreen Hardy White
A cold-tolerant favorite that performs exceptionally well in Canadian seasons.
2. Tokyo Long White
Known for long stalks, mild flavor, and excellent yield.
3. Parade
Fast-growing, vibrant green leaves, perfect for constant harvesting.
4. Deep Purple
Beautiful purple-tinted stems, great for gourmet dishes and colorful gardens.
Choosing the right seed variety ensures strong growth and better flavor.
4. Preparing the Soil for Green Onions
To successfully grow green onions from seeds in Canada, soil preparation is one of the most important steps. Scallions thrive in rich, well-draining soil full of organic matter.
Soil preparation steps
Select a sunny location
Green onions need at least 6 hours of daily sunlight.
Enrich soil with compost
Add high-quality compost and organic matter to improve fertility. DH Garden Centre provides premium compost perfect for green onions.
Ensure good drainage
Use raised beds or well-structured garden soil to prevent soggy roots.
Check soil pH
Aim for pH 6.0–7.0. Amend with garden lime or sulfur if needed.
Healthy soil is the foundation of success when you want to grow green onions from seeds in Canada.
5. How to Plant Green Onion Seeds
Green onion seeds are tiny, and proper planting is essential for strong germination.
Direct sowing in garden beds
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Create shallow furrows ¼ inch (6 mm) deep.
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Sprinkle seeds thinly, spacing 1 inch apart.
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Lightly cover seeds with soil and firm gently.
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Water thoroughly but gently.
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Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart once established.
Indoor sowing for later transplanting
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Use seedling trays filled with seed-starting mix.
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Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and mist with water.
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Keep trays in warm (18–21°C), bright area.
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Transplant when seedlings reach 3–4 inches.
Indoor sowing allows you to grow green onions from seeds in Canada throughout winter for an early spring jumpstart.
6. Caring for Green Onions in Canadian Climates
Green onions are low-maintenance, but consistent care boosts productivity.
Watering
• Keep soil moist, not waterlogged.
• Water deeply once or twice weekly depending on rainfall.
Fertilizing
• Apply balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks.
• Compost tea adds micronutrients and strengthens growth.
Mulching
• Use straw or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pest & disease prevention
Onion maggots: Use floating row covers.
Fungal diseases: Avoid overhead watering.
Aphids: Remove with water spray or neem oil.
These simple steps make it easy to grow green onions from seeds in Canada with strong yields.
7. Harvesting Green Onions
Harvesting is one of the most satisfying stages for gardeners.
Early harvest
Cut stalks at 6 inches tall to encourage regrowth.
Full harvest
Pull entire plants at 8–10 weeks.
Continuous harvest method
Trim leaves as needed and let roots stay in the soil.
This allows you to maintain a steady supply of green onions for months.
8. Growing Green Onions in Containers
Garden space is not required to grow green onions from seeds in Canada. Containers work beautifully, especially in condos and balconies in Vancouver.
Container requirements
• Choose a container 6-8 inches deep.
• Ensure drainage holes.
• Fill with high-quality potting mix.
• Place in sunny location.
• Maintain consistent moisture.
Container gardening also reduces pest exposure and makes harvesting easier.
9. Overwintering Green Onions in Canada
In Vancouver and other mild regions, scallions can overwinter successfully.
How to overwinter
• Add thick mulch (straw, compost) to insulate roots.
• Cover with row covers during cold spells.
• In harsher Canadian regions, use cold frames or indoor setups.
Overwintering is a great way to extend productivity when you grow green onions from seeds in Canada.
10. Common Problems & Solutions
Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering or nutrient deficiency | Reduce watering; apply compost tea |
| Thin stalks | Lack of sunlight | Ensure 6+ hours of sunlight |
| Bolting (flowering) | Heat or plant maturity | Harvest before stalks form flowers |
Learning how to grow green onions from seeds in Canada is one of the most rewarding experiences for gardeners. With the right seeds, fertile soil, proper watering, and simple maintenance, you can enjoy fresh scallions all year especially in Vancouver’s garden-friendly climate.
For the best results, visit DH Garden Centre for premium seeds, compost, soil blends, and expert guidance. Whether you garden in raised beds, containers, or large outdoor plots, we are here to help you grow with confidence.
FAQ: Grow Green Onions From Seeds in Canada
1. How long does it take to grow green onions from seeds in Canada?
Most varieties take 8-10 weeks from sowing to full harvest.
2. Can I grow green onions in winter in Vancouver?
Yes. Vancouver’s mild climate allows for winter growing with mulch or row covers.
3. Do green onions regrow after cutting?
Yes. Trim leaves and the plant will regrow multiple times.
4. What soil is best for growing green onions?
Light, rich, well-draining soil with compost works best, available at DH Garden Centre.
5. Can green onions grow in shade?
Partial shade is acceptable, but 6+ hours of sunlight ensures stronger stalks.
