Unlock High-Profit Farming: Premium Spring Onion Seedlings for Maximum Yield & Quick Returns!

Spring onions, also known as green onions or scallions, are a versatile and fast-growing crop popular in many cuisines. Spring onions are very easy to grow both for subsistent and commercial purposes and consumers like them because they can be used in variety of recipes as seasoning in soups and salads hence their other name- Salad Onions. This guide prepared by Seed Farm Kenya will guide you on how to grow spring onions successfully, control pests and diseases and the benefits associated with it.

Difference Between Spring Onions and Bulb Onions

Spring onions are harvested young before the bulb fully develops.

Spring onions have a milder, fresher flavor compared to mature bulb onions.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Temperature

Spring onions thrive in cool to moderate temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F) but can tolerate a range of conditions. Proper temperature management ensures healthy growth and prevents issues like bolting (premature flowering) or stunted growth. Mulching and shade nets can be used to manage very hot temperatures. Greenhouses can also be used in cold temperatures to manage the temperature as well as low row covers/ cloches.

Sunlight

Sunlight is crucial for healthy spring onion growth, affecting leaf development, flavor, and overall yield. Here’s a detailed breakdown. 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for growing spring onions although full sunlight is the best. Spring onions can survive in light shade, but excessive shade leads to thin, weak stems, pale green or yellow leaves and reduced yields. In extreme heat, shade clothing is recommended as well as crop rotation.

Rainfall

Spring onions thrive in moderate rainfall conditions but can tolerate slight variations. 500–700 mm per growing season is the ideal rainfall amount required for optimal growth of spring onions. Spring onions can grow in 300–1000 mm/year, but irrigation may be needed in drier regions.

Supplemental Irrigation Tips. In drier areas, one may need to adopt other forms of irrigation for uniform growth of spring onions. These may include:

Drip Irrigation: This is normally the best for water efficiency.

Sprinklers: They are useful in dry climates but may increase leaf diseases.

Mulching: Retains soil moisture (use straw or grass clippings)

Soil PH

Spring onions (Allium fistulosum) thrive best in slightly acidic to neutral soil, (6.0 – 7.0). Maintaining the correct pH ensures nutrient availability, healthy growth, and disease resistance. Soil testing should be done before planting and annually thereafter to check if there are any adjustments to be made. If the soil is too acidic, we add lime or wood ash and if the soil is too alkaline, we add sulfur or organic matter.

Pro Tip: Soil testing is a very vital practice when growing spring onions and Seed Farm Kenya comes in handy with all the needed tools to make that possible and thereafter, their trained staff will provide advice on the necessary steps to take depending on the outcome from the results.

Best Regions in Kenya for Spring Onion Farming

Kenya’s diverse climate allows for year-round spring onion farming in both open fields and greenhouses. Here are the top regions ideal for cultivation:

Best for slow-bolting, high-quality leafy varieties.

Key areas due to well distributed rainfall and optimum temperatures ranging at 15–25°C.

Central Kenya: Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu

Rift Valley: Naivasha, Limuru, Kericho

Western Kenya: Kitale, Eldoret

Eastern Kenya: Embu, Meru, Machakos due to longer growing seasons.

Coastal Kenya: Malindi, Lamu due to high demand in the urban markets.

Varieties of Spring Onions

White Lisbon: This is a classic variety that is cold-resistant and fast growing.

Ishikura: This is a variety that has long, thick stems and a mild flavor.

Evergreen: This variety is normally hardy, slow to bolt and good for successive planting.

Red Welsh: This variety has purple-red stems and a mild taste.

Land Preparation

Clearing & Plowing: Land clearing entails removal of weeds and debris from the designated piece of land and  plowing to a depth of 15–20 cm.

Soil Enrichment: Spring onions normally grow well in soil which is well fertile so we usually add compost or well-rotted manure (5–10 kg/m²).

Bed Formation: A level seedbed where soil is mixed well with compost manure should be prepared. It should be raised incase the drainage is poor and flat in well-drained soils.

Soil Sterilization (Optional): Solarization or fumigation to reduce pests/diseases is also important to avoid infestation.

Planting Methods

Seed Sowing

The seed Rate should be 5–8 kg/ha (or 1–2 g/m²) for standard sowing. The spacing in terms of rows should be 20-30cm apart and the plants should be 5-10cm apart. The depth of planting recommended is 1–2 cm with the germination time being estimated around 7–14 days.

Transplanting

Start seeds in nursery beds or trays and wait for them to germinate. Transplant the seedlings at 4–6 weeks (when 10–15 cm tall).

Irrigation

Light, frequent watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy is normally recommended when growing spring onions. The most common irrigation methods in spring onions include, drip irrigation, which is the best, sprinklers, or manual watering. The critical stages in which irrigation is recommended are germination and bulb formation stages.

Pro Tip: Start your nursery in stages (every 1-2 weeks) to ensure a continuous supply of spring onions throughout the growing season

Fertilization

Proper fertilization is crucial for healthy spring onion growth, ensuring lush green leaves and tender stems. 2-3 weeks before sowing, mix 5–10 kg compost/m² or well-rotted manure into the soil and add bone meal (for P) or DAP (18-46-0) @ 50–100 kg/ha. NPK is essential for leaf growth and bulb development. Use liquid seaweed extract or micronutrient sprays (Zn, Fe) if leaves show yellowing

Common Fertilization Mistakes to Avoid

 Over-fertilizing with nitrogen leads to soft, disease-prone plants.
Applying fertilizer too close to stems burns roots.
Ignoring soil pH affects nutrient availability.
Using fresh manure can burn plants and as such it must be composted.

Pests and Diseases in Spring Onion Farming

Spring onions are relatively hardy but can be affected by various pests and diseases that reduce yield and quality.

Common Pests

Thrips (Thrips tabaci)

Symptoms normally include silvery streaks or white patches on leaves, curled, distorted leaves and stunted growth. Control Methods can either be chemical or organic. Organic methods involve spraying with neem oil (2%) or garlic-chili extract, use of blue sticky traps as thrips are attracted to blue color and introduction of predatory mites (Amblyseius cucumeris). Chemical control involves use of spinosad (organic-approved) or imidacloprid (systemic insecticide).

Onion Fly (Delia antiqua)

Symptoms include yellowing, wilting plants, maggots feeding on roots/bulbs and rotting at the base. Control methods can be organic or chemical. Organic methods involve crop rotation in which it is advisable to avoid planting onions in the same spot yearly. Use of neem cake in soil which deters egg-laying and floating row covers to block adult flies. Chemical methods involve drenching soil with cypermethrin (if infestation is severe).

Aphids (Aphis spp.)

Symptoms which indicate infestation by this particular pest involve clusters of tiny green/black insects under leaves, sticky honeydew leading to sooty mold and curled, yellowing leaves. Aphids can be controlled organically by spraying soapy water (1 tsp dish soap in 1L water), releasing ladybugs/lacewings (natural predators) and neem oil spray as it disrupts feeding. Chemical methods usually involve use of Acetamiprid or pyrethrin-based sprays.

Cutworms & Armyworms

Symptoms showing infestation by cut and armyworms usually involve young plants cut at the base and irregular holes in leaves. Organic control methods involve handpicking worms at night, applying Diatomaceous earth around plants and use of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray. Chemical methods involve use of Chlorpyrifos for severe cases.

Common Diseases

Downy Mildew (Peronospora destructor)

This is a disease affecting spring onions characterized by pale green/yellow patches on leaves, purple-gray fuzzy growth on the underside of leaves and leaves collapsing in wet conditions. Preventive control methods include avoiding overhead irrigation and ensuring good air circulation (proper spacing). Treatment involves use of copper-based fungicides (e.g., Bordeaux mixture) and Mancozeb (systemic fungicide).

Purple Blotch (Alternaria porri)

Symptoms for this disease involve small, water-soaked lesions turning purple-brown, yellow halos around spots and leaves drying up and dying. Organic control methods involve removal of infected leaves immediately and spraying using baking soda solution (1 tsp baking soda + 1L water). Chemical control involves the use of Chlorothalonil or azoxystrobin.

White Rot (Sclerotium cepivorum)

Symptoms usually involve yellowing, wilting leaves, white fluffy mold at the base and black sclerotia (tiny seed-like structures) in soil. Preventive control methods involve solarizing soil before planting (cover with plastic for 4-6 weeks) and avoiding contaminated tools/soil. Treatment involves removing and destroying infected plants and use of Fluidoxonil for early-stage control.

Fusarium Basal Rot (Fusarium oxysporum)

Symptoms for this disease involve yellowing, stunted growth, brown rot at the bulb base and roots turning pinkish and decaying. Preventive control methods involve using disease-free seeds and crop rotation (4+ years away from Allium crops). Treatment involves use of biofungicides (Trichoderma spp.) and Carbendazim (if detected early).

Harvesting Spring Onions

Spring onions are typically ready for harvest 2-3 months after planting.  Harvest when plants reach 30-40 cm in height and stems are 1-2 cm in diameter. For the freshest product, harvest spring onions in the cool morning hours. If selling to local markets, harvest just before market day to ensure maximum freshness and appeal to customers.

Signs of Harvest Readiness

Bright green, upright leaves

White to pale green stems

No signs of bolting (flower stalk formation)

Health Benefits of Spring Onions (Scallions/Green Onions)

Spring onions (Allium fistulosum) are not just a flavorful kitchen staple. they pack a powerful nutritional punch with numerous health benefits. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why you should include them in your diet.

Rich in Essential Nutrients

Spring onions are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain vitamin K which supports blood clotting and bone health, vitamin C which boosts immunity and skin health, fiber which aids in digestion and gut health, potassium which regulates blood pressure and iron which prevents anemia.

Boosts Immunity

Spring onions are high in Vitamin C & sulfur compounds which enhances white blood cell function. They also have antiviral & antibacterial properties which helps fight infections.

Supports Heart Health

Spring onions contain allicin & flavonoids which reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and potassium which helps regulate blood pressure.

Aids Digestion & Gut Health

Prebiotic fiber contained in spring onions feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Sulfur compounds also found in spring onions help detoxify the digestive system.

May Help Prevent Cancer

Quercetin & allyl sulfides which are components found in spring onions are powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals.

Strengthens Bones

Contains vitamin K & calcium which improve bone density.

Improves Vision & Eye Health

Lutein & zeaxanthin contained in spring onions protect against macular degeneration. Vitamin A, also present in spring onions supports night vision.

Helps Control Blood Sugar

Chromium & sulfur compounds contained in spring onions improve insulin sensitivity. Low glycemic index (GI) in spring onions is safe for diabetics.

Want a fast-growing, high-demand crop that’s easy to farm and profitable? Spring onions are the perfect choice! Why?

Quick harvest (8–12 weeks!)
Thrives in small spaces (even pots!)
High market demand (restaurants, households & exporters love them!)

Why Choose Our Seedlings?
Disease-resistant, high-yield varieties
Expert support from planting to harvest
Affordable bulk pricing for farmers & agribusinesses

Start Your Spring Onion Journey Today!
Call us now to order your premium seedlings and unlock a lucrative farming opportunity!

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Seed Farm Kenya  Call +254 712 075915