How to grow spring onions in a raised bed

Spring onions are quick, compact and almost foolproof — a great filler crop to tuck between bigger plants, and you can start snipping in a few weeks.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 2–3 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 8–12 weeks

When should I plant spring onions?

Spring onions grow nearly year-round in most of Australia — sow a short row every few weeks for a constant supply. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): All year round
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): August to April
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): September to March
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): March to October
• Arid inland: February to October

How do I grow spring onions in a raised bed?

Sow seed thinly straight into the mix, or plant out seedlings. They take up little room, so they slot in neatly around slower crops.

How often should I water and feed spring onions?

Keep the mix evenly moist for tender stems. They're not heavy feeders, so a light feed is plenty.

What pests attack spring onions?

Keep an eye out for thrips and aphids. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect spring onions?

The main ones are rust and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with spring onions?

They're a great companion to carrots and beetroot — their scent helps mask crops from pests. Lettuce is a good neighbour too. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest spring onions?

Snip what you need and the plant often regrows, or lift the whole clump. Best used fresh.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Ainomugisha Brendah, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.