How to Grow Scallions? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Planting Methods

The most famous scallions in China are arguably those from the Northeast region. One important factor is that scallions are a relatively strong-flavored food for Northeasterners, who like to eat raw scallions and drink from big bowls, and the scallion-growing techniques in the Northeast are also very well developed, producing scallions that are big, white and tender. So today let us take a look at scallion-growing techniques.

1. Select good varieties

There are many varieties of scallions, and scallions are highly adaptable to the environment. Basically any seed can grow in any location; it is only a matter of yield and quality. So before planting we need to choose varieties suited to the local climate. You can first investigate the local scallion-growing situation and choose varieties that are high-quality, high-yielding and enjoy decent market conditions for planting. Secondly, you can plant several varieties at once, observe the economic benefits of growing them, and then select the best.

2. Land preparation and fertilisation

Scallions do not have high requirements for the planting site either. Generally, as long as there is relatively sufficient sunlight, it is close to a water source for easy irrigation, and the soil has a relatively rich organic matter content, the plot can be used for planting. When preparing the land, plough deeply at least about 30 cm, and clean out impurities in the soil such as residual pests and weed roots, so that later management will be simpler. Finally, break up the soil clods as much as possible and rake them level, and at the same time open furrows and make beds at a width of about 1 m to 1.5 m, then wait to plant.

3. Scientific planting

There are three main ways to plant scallions: seed propagation, division propagation and bulb propagation. The suitable planting time is generally around May to June each year. Then open furrows at intervals of 30 cm per row for drilling or strip planting. For strip planting, the spacing between plants should be about 5 to 8 cm. Before planting, the planting site must be watered thoroughly, which can raise the survival rate by at least about 15%.

4. Fertilisation techniques

Whether to fertilise scallions mainly depends on the fertility of the planting site and the growth of the scallions. Generally, the first fertilisation is carried out after the Start of Autumn. Under normal fertilisation conditions, about 2,000 kg of farmyard manure per mu is needed, or 200 kg of cake fertiliser plus 20 kg of urea. Then after the End of Heat, a second top dressing is carried out; this time only about 15 kg of urea is needed. Finally, it depends on the growth of the scallions: if the branches and leaves of the scallions are relatively thin and also rather irregular with hooked tips, then we also need to apply an appropriate amount of potassium fertiliser. And at each growth stage of the scallions, add an appropriate amount of fertiliser to supplement the nutrients needed for their growth.

5. Field management

About five or six days after transplanting, they will not emerge. But summer temperatures are relatively high and rainfall is relatively heavy, so we must be prepared for waterlogging prevention and drainage. At the same time, after rain, carry out intertillage in time to prevent the soil from becoming compacted. The root system of scallions is relatively weak, so the soil moisture in the planting site should be kept at least at about 75%. When the weather is not especially dry, basically there is no need for excessive watering; you only need to strengthen the management of soil permeability in the field and weed control.

6. Pest and disease control

The most common pests and diseases of scallions are purple blotch, onion rust, soft rot, as well as thrips, leafminers and moth pests. These three common diseases are basically caused by excessive humidity in the field combined with relatively high temperatures, which triggers the production of fungi in the field and thus infects the entire scallion plant, causing disease. We can generally use chlorothalonil, mancozeb liquid and copper hydroxide for control, while at the same time strengthening water management and temperature regulation in the field. As for the pests that harm scallion growth, imidacloprid, abamectin and emamectin benzoate can be used for spraying and killing.