A delicious sandwich sprinkled with chopped green onion is, for many of us, one of those fond childhood memories. It’s no surprise, then, that as we become the chefs of our own kitchens, we still happily reach for this tried-and-true addition to many dishes. Especially since the culinary uses for green onion leaves are quite extensive. Another advantage of these vivid green leaves is how easy they are to grow at home. When the unfavorable season limits access to fresh produce, you can successfully grow green onions yourself — practically regardless of the weather outside.

Does it require any special conditions? What kind of onion should you plant for green shoots? In this article, we answer these questions. Read on!

Green Onion and Chives – Are They the Same Plant?

Although in everyday speech we often use the terms green onion and chives interchangeably, they are not actually the same plant. Green onion refers to the leafy tops of the common onion — the leaves responsible for photosynthesis. The onion (Allium cepa), a member of the amaryllis family and Allium genus, most likely originated in Central Asia and may have been cultivated by humans as early as the Bronze Age. Its enduring popularity is due to its distinctive flavor, ease of cultivation, and long shelf life. Even though it no longer grows in the wild, it is now cultivated almost everywhere in the world.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum), on the other hand, are a perennial plant consisting of thin leaves and flower stems, forming dense clumps up to 25 cm tall. Their thinner leaves give them a more delicate taste. Chives also differ from green onion in how they are grown — they are propagated from seeds or by dividing clumps every 2–3 years, as they tend to become overcrowded over time.

What Kind of Onion Should You Plant for Green Shoots?

You can enjoy fresh, homegrown green onion all year round as a perfect addition to sandwiches, eggs, cottage cheese, and many tasty dishes. The growing process is simple, but it’s good to know which onions are best for planting and where to place your pots for optimal growth.

First, look for onions that are free of damage or spots indicating rot. Choose well-developed bulbs weighing between 30 and 70 grams. The root end (called the “heel”) should not be cut off, and the bulb should be firm to the touch. Importantly, onions bought in grocery stores can also be used for forcing, as long as they are healthy and not overly dry. Particularly desirable are those that have already sprouted green leaves.

After selecting your bulbs, plant them in small pots so that only part of the bulb is buried in soil — just enough to keep it stable. The plant will grow well in almost any type of soil; regular universal potting mix or soil with added peat works fine.

If you’re using long containers that fit on a windowsill, keep about 6 cm between each onion. Growing green onions is also a great opportunity for some eco-friendly recycling — instead of buying pots, you can reuse containers from ice cream or vegetable salads.

How to Care for Green Onion

When forcing onions for shoots, additional fertilizing isn’t necessary — the bulb already contains all the nutrients needed for growth. What’s important is to ensure adequate light, temperature, and soil moisture.

Onions grow best at temperatures slightly above 10°C, but once the green shoots start to emerge, increase the temperature to at least 20°C. Indoors, place your pots on a windowsill — the plant will adapt perfectly to the microclimate there, benefiting from natural daylight.

When watering, moisten only the soil, avoiding direct contact between water and the bulb itself. Regular misting works great. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause the onion to rot.

When Can You Cut the Green Onion?

Forcing onions for green shoots takes anywhere from a few days to three weeks. If the onion had already begun to sprout, the process will be faster. After harvesting the greens, discard the used bulb, as it cannot be forced again. You can then simply plant new ones.

Success isn’t always guaranteed — since you can’t know how the onions were stored before purchase, some may be prone to fungal diseases that become active once planted in moist soil. Unfortunately, such bulbs need to be thrown away.

In most cases, however, you’ll be rewarded with a lush crop of green shoots — a fresh, aromatic addition that enhances the flavor of soups, salads, and omelets, while also serving as a beautiful garnish that brings to mind the brightness of spring.