Allium fistulosum, Welsh Onion (Scallions)
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Vegetables

Allium fistulosum

Welsh Onion (Scallions)

AmaryllidaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typevegetable
Habitclumping
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width6-8 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4a - 9b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Allium fistulosum is a hardy perennial herb widely cultivated as an annual vegetable for its tender, flavorful foliage and crisp white bases. This versatile member of the onion family produces distinctive hollow, cylindrical leaves that emerge in dense clumps from elongated white bulbs that remain slender throughout the season. The dark green leaves are completely tubular and firm to the touch, reaching 12-18 inches in height with a characteristic hollow interior that distinguishes them from solid-leaved relatives like garlic chives. Unlike storage onions, Allium fistulosum focuses its energy on producing abundant, succulent foliage rather than developing large underground bulbs, making it ideal for continuous harvest. When allowed to flower, the plant sends up sturdy stalks that can reach 2-3 feet tall, topped with spherical umbels of small, star-shaped flowers ranging from white to pale purple. The plant readily forms offsets and spreads into tight clumps, establishing permanent colonies that provide years of harvest.

Native Range

Allium fistulosum is native to the mountainous regions of northwestern China and southern Siberia, where it grows naturally in grasslands and rocky slopes at various elevations. Despite its common name 'Welsh Onion,' this species has no connection to Wales - the name likely derives from the German word 'welsch,' meaning foreign, referring to its exotic origins when first introduced to European gardens centuries ago.

Suggested Uses

Allium fistulosum excels in kitchen gardens, herb gardens, and container plantings where fresh scallions are regularly needed for culinary use. Plant in easily accessible locations near the kitchen door for convenient harvest during meal preparation. Excellent for succession planting every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous supply of tender young leaves. Works well in raised beds, window boxes, and indoor growing under bright lights or on sunny windowsills. Makes an attractive, edible border plant with its upright, grass-like appearance, and can be interplanted with other herbs and vegetables in intensive growing systems.

How to Identify

Allium fistulosum can be readily identified by its characteristic hollow, tubular leaves that are completely round in cross-section and dark green in color. When gently squeezed, the leaves feel firm but yield slightly, revealing their distinctive hollow interior. The plant grows in tight clumps from small, elongated white bulbs that remain slender and never develop into large storage bulbs like common onions. The entire plant emits a mild, pleasant onion fragrance when bruised or cut. When flowering, Allium fistulosum produces spherical flower heads composed of numerous small, white to pale purple star-shaped blooms on tall, sturdy stalks. The leaves are noticeably larger in diameter than chives and completely hollow, unlike the solid leaves of garlic chives.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

white
purple

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Summer
mid to late summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale purple

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

60-70 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Allium fistulosum thrives with consistent moisture and well-draining soil that prevents bulb rot and fungal issues. Water regularly during dry periods, maintaining evenly moist but not waterlogged conditions throughout the growing season. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote vigorous leaf growth and maintain harvest quality. For tender, mild-flavored stems, hill soil around the base of plants to blanch the lower portions white. In colder regions, apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around plants in fall to protect roots through harsh winters. Allium fistulosum is remarkably low-maintenance and adapts well to containers, raised beds, and various soil conditions.

Pruning

Harvest Allium fistulosum by cutting outer leaves at soil level with clean, sharp scissors or garden shears, always leaving the central growing point intact to ensure continuous production. Take leaves as needed throughout the growing season, removing no more than one-third of the plant at any single harvest to maintain plant vigor and health. Pinch or cut off flower stalks as soon as they appear to keep the plant's energy focused on tender leaf production, unless you want to collect seeds for future plantings. In fall, allow foliage to die back naturally in cold regions before cutting to ground level, or maintain year-round harvest in milder climates where the plant remains evergreen.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Allium fistulosum is completely safe for human consumption and is widely used as both a culinary herb and vegetable around the world. However, like all members of the Allium family, it contains compounds that can be toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets if consumed in significant quantities, potentially causing hemolytic anemia, digestive upset, and other serious health issues. Keep pets away from growing plants and dispose of kitchen scraps safely.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring, 2-3 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

60–70 days

Plant Spacing

2 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
peppers
carrots
lettuce
brassicas
herbs

Avoid Planting With

beans
peas
asparagus