How to Grow Scallions: Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Timing

SummaryPlanting time: sow in spring from March to April, or in autumn from September to October. Site selection and soil preparation: plant in soil with good water and fertilizer retention; apply about 1500 jin of farmyard manure and about 120 jin of NPK compound fertilizer per mu. Seed selection and treatment: choose high-quality varieties and soak the seeds in hot water at 50°C for disinfection. Timely sowing: sow about 6 g of seeds per square meter of seedbed. Later management: water according to soil dryness and moisture, and apply fertilizer once every 30 days.

1. Planting Time

Scallion seeds can be sown in spring from March to April, or in autumn from September to October. The suitable germination temperature for scallion seeds is about 13-20°C. Before sowing, water the seedbed thoroughly, then scatter the scallion seeds directly on the soil surface.

2. Site Selection and Soil Preparation

1. Scallion seeds are both cold-tolerant and heat-tolerant, but not drought-tolerant, so the planting site should be soil with good water and fertilizer retention. A semi-shaded sandy loam can also be chosen. The plot should be convenient for irrigation, and must not be planted in areas with severe pesticide contamination.

2. Apply about 1500 jin of farmyard manure and about 120 jin of NPK compound fertilizer per mu of planting plot. First dig the soil within 30 cm and apply fertilizer, then rotary till all the soil, level the land, and build seedbeds 1.3 m wide. The main field should also be plowed well.

3. Seed Selection and Treatment

1. It is suitable to choose varieties that bloom purple or white flowers. These varieties with a rich fragrance have relatively high economic value. Currently such improved varieties include Sichuan small fragrant scallion and four-season rice scallion.

2. Treat the seeds before sowing. Generally, soak the seeds in hot water at 50°C for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly during this time. This can disinfect and sterilize them. Then remove the seeds, rinse them clean, drain them, and sow. There is no need to pre-sprout during this period; as long as the temperature is suitable, they will germinate relatively easily.

4. Timely Sowing

1. Generally sow 6 g of seeds per square meter of seedbed, then turn the soil about 1-2 cm. After watering thoroughly, wait about two weeks and they will begin to germinate. After covering with soil, water again so the seeds combine with the soil. Then straw and rice straw can be spread to keep warm and retain moisture. Usually cover with only a thin layer; if covered too thickly, diseases are likely to occur.

2. After emergence, remove weak, diseased, and underdeveloped seedlings, then trim the fibrous roots and plant them in the main field at a plant spacing of 8-10 cm and a row spacing of 15-20 cm, with about 3 plants per hole, and a planting depth of 3-4 cm.

5. Later Management

1. After planting, since there are no roots, water once a day to help increase the survival rate of the seedlings. After about 1 week, some roots will grow; during this period, water once every 3 days to encourage the seedlings to take root and germinate.

2. At about 15 days, when the seedlings have recovered and are growing normally with normal roots, water according to soil dryness and moisture. Topdressing should be done once about 30 days after planting; during this period, fertilizer can be applied together with watering, and thereafter topdress once every 30 days.