Allium cepa and Allium fistulosum
Family: Alliaceae

There is some confusion as to which species is referred to by the common name of spring onion. Spring onions are often called shallots and vice versa. A. cepa covers spring or bunching onions that are small types of the common onion, with long necks and very small bulbs. These may be known as Japanese bunching onions, Chinese small onions, scallions (a term also used for shallots) and Welsh onions. (There is, however, no valid connection between this last species and Wales.) Spring onions, what-ever their botanical origin, are used mainly in salads and stir tries. A. fistulosum, grown in China for centuries, resembles very coarse chives, with hollow leaves and very little swollen base. Several varieties of these vegetables in common cultivation are hybrids of the two species.

Cultivation

These plants need well-drained soil, heavily enriched with organic matter. Manure or compost should he dug into the ground a couple of weeks before sowing. Add lime or dolomite to the soil before sowing unless the soil is known to be alkaline. Approximately half a cup per square metre (square yard) is needed.

Seed can be sown direct in spring and thinned once plants are about 10 cm (4 in) high. Space 5-10 cm (2-4 in) apart. Thinned seedlings can he used to flavor salads or soups. It is important to keep the crop weed-free and to water regularly. Plants should be fertilized with high-nitrogen plant food to ensure rapid growth. Mound up the soil around the plant bases as they grow, to blanch the bases of the stems. Harvest as required. Spring onions do not store well for more than a few days.

Climate

Zone 5.