Green onions—also known as scallions or Spring onions—are a versatile and easy-to-grow crop that’s ideal for indoor gardeners. With their slender stalks, bright green tops, and crisp, mild flavor, they’re a kitchen essential that fits neatly into windowsills and countertop containers.

Green onions grow quickly, require minimal space, and offer multiple harvests from a single planting. Even better? They can be regrown from kitchen scraps, making them one of the most budget-friendly and sustainable indoor crops. Whether you’re topping tacos, folding them into omelets, or stirring them into broths, fresh green onions bring a garden-fresh pop to everyday meals.

Soil and pH Requirements

Green onions aren’t picky, but good soil gives them a stronger start and cleaner flavor.

• Ideal pH:Green onions prefer soil with a pH between 0 and 7.0, leaning slightly acidic to neutral.
• Soil Type:Use a light, fertile potting mix that drains well. A blend of compost, peat or coir, and perlite works great.
• Nutrients:Add a balanced organic fertilizer before planting. Once established, a light feeding every 3-4 weeks supports steady growth.

Light Requirements

Green onions enjoy plenty of light, and while they can grow with moderate exposure, the more sun or supplemental lighting you give them, the better they’ll do.

• Light Needs:Aim for 10-12 hours of light per day.
• Natural Light:A bright south- or west-facing window is usually enough.
• Grow Lights:If light is limited, use full-spectrum LEDs to supplement. Keep lights 4-6 inches above the plants and adjust as needed.

Watering Guidelines

Green onions like steady moisture to develop juicy stalks.

• Watering Frequency:Water when the top inch of soil is dry. This is typically every 2-3 days indoors.
• Best Method:Water at the base of the plants and avoid overwatering. The roots should stay moist but not soaked.
• Drainage:Always use containers with good drainage to prevent root rot.

Best Indoor Growing Environment

Green onions thrive indoors when given the right balance of light, warmth, and air circulation.

• Temperature Range:They prefer 60-75°F (16-24°C). They can tolerate cooler nights but should be kept away from drafts.
• Container Size:Use shallow trays or pots at least 4-6 inches deep. Narrow containers work well for growing rows of scallions.
• Spacing:Sow seeds or plant starts about 1 inch apart. They don’t mind growing close together.
• Regrowth Tip:After harvesting the greens, leave the white bulbs in the soil. Many varieties will regrow for at least 2-3 cycles.

Green Onion Variety Showcase: 5 Indoor Favorites

Green onions are a flavor booster in almost every cuisine. Their mild bite complements dishes both raw and cooked, and their rapid growth cycle makes them incredibly satisfying for indoor growers. Whether grown from seed, sets, or kitchen scraps, green onions are a no-fuss, high-reward addition to your indoor garden.

Here are five excellent green onion varieties for growing indoors—each with its own flavor profile and best uses.

Evergreen Bunching

A classic in home gardens, Evergreen Bunching onions produce tall, slim stalks with bright green tops and white bottoms. They don’t form bulbs, making them ideal for repeat harvesting.

Indoor Perks:

• Fast-growing and cold-tolerant
• Regrows well after cutting
• Performs reliably in shallow containers

Kitchen Uses:

• Topping for baked potatoes or loaded nachos
• Stirred into fried rice or egg dishes
• Mixed into sour cream or cream cheese dips

White Lisbon

A traditional variety known for its tender texture and mild flavor, White Lisbon is quick to mature and well-suited to containers.

Indoor Perks:

• Grows well even in lower-light conditions
• Ideal for growing close together
• Can be harvested young or grown to full height

Kitchen Uses:

• Sliced raw into salads or slaws
• Folded into omelets or frittatas
• Added last-minute to soups or stews for a fresh finish

Ishikura Long White

This Japanese variety produces long, slender stalks with a delicate onion flavor and no bulb. It’s elegant, flavorful, and perfect for indoor growers.

Indoor Perks:

• Uniform, upright growth
• Well-suited to hydroponic and soil systems
• Great for succession planting

Kitchen Uses:

• Used in miso soup or ramen
• Sliced into sushi rolls or poke bowls
• Stir-fried with ginger and soy sauce

Red Beard

A visually striking green onion with red stalks and a rich flavor, Red Beard adds a pop of color to your garden and plate.

Indoor Perks:

• Compact size ideal for window boxes
• Tolerates variable temperatures
• Distinctive coloring adds ornamental value

Kitchen Uses:

• Garnish for noodle dishes or appetizers
• Grilled whole as a delightful side dish
• Used raw for color in salads or tacos

Parade

This hybrid variety is known for its uniform, upright stalks and high yield. Parade is especially tidy and ideal for small indoor spaces.

Indoor Perks:

• Clean growth with minimal foliage droop
• High germination and quick turnaround
• Perfect for repeated harvests

Kitchen Uses:

• Minced into vinaigrettes or sauces
• Chopped and sprinkled on pizza or focaccia
• Blended into green onion pancakes or dips