Stem onions: fresh stems from a bed or container
Bunching onions are harvested for their tender white bases and green leaves, without waiting for a large storage bulb. Make a short row among slower-growing vegetables or place a container near the kitchen. Small successive sowings give more practical portions than one overcrowded row.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
- Crop
- Allium fistulosum; does not form a large round storage bulb
- Location
- Sun or light partial shade and moist, aerated soil
- Start
- Seed; direct sow or start in small modules
- Harvest
- As young stems; size and timing depend on variety and season
This growing advice helps you choose. Your variety, growth stage, weather and conditions in your space determine the actual timing.
Sowing under cover and raising seedlings
Start under cover in a cool, bright position · Bunching onion
February–March for seed-grown onionsSow lightly in modules or a seed tray and grow on steadily.
- Germination and temperature
- Germinate under cover, then grow on in good light without excessive warmth.
- After emergence
- Give seedlings light immediately after emergence. A dark loft needs suitable grow lights; warmth alone is insufficient. Ventilate and keep the compost moist without saturating it.
- Pricking out and potting on
- Sow in modules or a seed tray. Move young plants with their root ball according to cultivar guidance; a small group of spring onions can stay together.
- Hardening off and planting out
- Gradually acclimatise indoor-raised plants to sun, wind and outdoor temperatures; shelter them again on cold nights. Plant out sturdy young onions at suitable final spacing. Seed-grown onions are plants raised from seed; onion sets are planted directly.
Onion sets and seed-grown onions are different starting routes. Bunching and spring onions are generally harvested young.
Sources and use
RHS · uien ↗Britse teeltrichtlijn voor een gematigd klimaat; de genoemde perioden zijn richtlijnen voor Nederland en Vlaanderen.
De Bolster · Bosui en stengelui telen ↗Nederlandse producent of teeltbron; de rasinstructie blijft leidend.
Royal Horticultural Society · RHS — stengelui kweken ↗Soort- of productgebonden bron; buitenlandse perioden zijn geen vaste Nederlandse zaaidatum.
Guideline periods for the Netherlands and Flanders. Check the variety, available light, soil and measured temperatures. Greenhouse heating does not guarantee enough winter light.
A different flavour, a different harvest.
Choose by more than the name. Discover how these varieties and crop types taste, what you can use them for and what growing them involves.
6 of 6 choices · 6 named varieties
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Doux de Florence ras van Simiane
Elongated crimson onion for raw use.
Choose Simiane for an unusual bulb shape and a dish in which raw onion can be visible. Harvesting young spreads its use.
Flavour, kitchen and growing
How does it taste?
The supplier describes Simiane as sweet. Taste thin slices raw; actual pungency still depends on growing season, freshness and preparation.
In the kitchen
Slice the long bulbs crossways into rings for tomato salad. Harvested young and green, this onion also goes into potato salad or an omelette.
A space in the garden
Sow in fine soil with few weeds and thin out. The slow initial stage needs attention; leave room for the elongated bulbs that develop later.
Harvesting
Pull some plants young for fresh kitchen onions and let the rest mature. Use the harvest according to its fresh purpose; a fixed storage period is not established.
Read the source notes →
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Rood van Abbeville
Medium-sized, flattened red onion that can also be stored.
Choose this red onion for colour and storage potential. Flattened bulbs contrast with round, yellow storage onions.
Flavour, kitchen and growing
How does it taste?
The full onion aroma is sharper raw and mellows with gentle frying. A specific extra-sweet cultivar note has not been established here.
This flavour description applies to the crop; there is no separate tasting result for this variety.In the kitchen
Slice into thin half-rings for salad or braise slices slowly. The medium size is practical for a dish needing a modest amount of onion.
A space in the garden
Sow in spring and thin gradually. Keep the bed weed-free and water in drought while foliage actively grows.
Harvesting
For storage, wait until the foliage dries as it matures and the outer skin is firm. Dry the bulbs under cover and use damaged onions separately.
Read the source notes →
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Stuttgart
Flattened onion with a copper-coloured exterior.
Choose Stuttgart if you want to grow storage onions from seed. The source also mentions raising onion sets; that requires a different desired final size.
Flavour, kitchen and growing
How does it taste?
Stuttgart gives the familiar onion aroma for everyday cooking. Shape and storage are more clearly documented than a separate cultivar-specific flavour note.
This flavour description applies to the crop; there is no separate tasting result for this variety.In the kitchen
Chop for a soup base or fry rings slowly until golden. Simple pan cooking shows the transition from fresh pungency to a mellower aroma.
A space in the garden
Sow thinly in a spring bed with few weeds. Decide beforehand whether you want eating bulbs or small sets, as that determines space per plant.
Harvesting
Let eating bulbs mature and dry carefully. Label any home-grown onion sets separately and remove soft or diseased specimens from both supplies.
Read the source notes →
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Wit uit Lisboa
Small, white bulb with upright, dark green foliage.
This onion suits a small, white harvest and young use. Pull a few plants from the row at a time for fresh meals.
Flavour, kitchen and growing
How does it taste?
The fresh onion scent suits a young kitchen onion. A distinct level of pungency is not substantiated; taste a small piece before using it raw.
This flavour description applies to the crop; there is no separate tasting result for this variety.In the kitchen
Slice young white parts and healthy greens for soup or stir-frying. Sprinkle some finely chopped foliage over an omelette just before serving.
A space in the garden
Sow directly in a fine bed and thin according to intended use. Young kitchen onions can stand closer than large bulbs, but keep weeds away.
Harvesting
Harvest young plants as needed and use them fresh. For full bulbs, wait for maturity; the source gives no long-term storage guarantee.
Read the source notes →
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Shakespeare
Autumn onion sets for an early harvest next season.
Choose Shakespeare for autumn planting and an earlier following harvest. The indicated storage life is average, so reserve some for immediate consumption.
Flavour, kitchen and growing
How does it taste?
Shakespeare has firm flesh and a typical onion character. Gentle frying makes its natural sweetness more noticeable; no exceptional flavour note has been established.
This flavour description applies to the crop; there is no separate tasting result for this variety.In the kitchen
Use early bulbs for fresh onion soup or a vegetable pan. Young onions can go straight into cooking with tender green foliage.
A space in the garden
Plant sets in autumn while the soil is workable. A raised bed helps wet sites drain winter rain adequately.
Harvesting
Late spring can bring the first harvest, depending on winter and spring conditions. Eat young bulbs fresh or dry fully mature onions for limited storage.
Read the source notes →
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Sturon
Round, yellow spring onion sets for storage after summer.
Choose Sturon for large, round storage bulbs. According to the source, it is a selection from Stuttgart, with a separate variety name and its own planting stock.
Flavour, kitchen and growing
How does it taste?
Sturon has an onion flavour that is sharper raw and gentler when cooked slowly. The flavour description gives no reliable ranking among yellow storage onions.
This flavour description applies to the crop; there is no separate tasting result for this variety.In the kitchen
Use round bulbs in soups, stews and oven dishes. Cut equal pieces so a large onion cooks through without small pieces burning.
A space in the garden
Plant small sets in a sunny, well-drained spring bed. Water during persistent drought and keep growing foliage free from weed competition.
Harvesting
Lift when foliage naturally falls; do not force it by bending. Dry well and exclude moist, thick necks from storage.
Read the source notes →Choose your way to grow
From a garden bed to a suitable pot or support: give your plant a place that suits your garden and the care you can provide.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Short rows for successive harvests
A short row fits among other vegetables and is easy to resow. Allow enough space for weeding.
- Prepare a fine seedbed and sow shallowly as directed.
- Keep the germinating row moist and thin crowded plants.
- Sow a second small row later if variety and season allow.
- Lift stems at the desired size; use healthy greens too.
For frequent small harvests in the vegetable garden.
Tick off your supplies →
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
A kitchen container with young stems
Bunching onions suit a clearly arranged container. Starting in modules gives a head start and makes it easy to fill gaps.
- Choose a container with drainage and fine, airy compost.
- Sow thinly and directly or plant small modules without pulling roots apart.
- Keep the root zone evenly moist and prevent a dense carpet.
- Harvest whole stems in portions and refill gaps when the growing period suits.
For patios, balconies and a short walk from kitchen to harvest.
Tick off your supplies →Explore the varieties
See the confirmed differences. Characteristics without supporting evidence are left blank.
3 of 3 varieties
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Feast
Explore this variety and use the growing guide to choose a place for your plant.
View variety →
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Matrix
Explore this variety and use the growing guide to choose a place for your plant.
View variety →
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Parade
Explore this variety and use the growing guide to choose a place for your plant.
View variety →Choose two to four varieties to compare their source data side by side.
Stem onion is not a storage onion
The name spring onion also covers young ordinary onions. This guide concerns Allium fistulosum bunching onions, with long bases and no large storage bulb. Check the label for specific growth; a species photo proves no exact variety.
Spread the harvest across small sowings
Make a few short rows rather than one large batch at once. Choose suitable sowing times from the variety packaging and allow for growth speed in your season. Cooler periods lengthen growing time, while dry heat demands extra water and attention.
Fine soil around small seeds
Crumble the surface and remove persistent weeds before sowing. Sow thinly, cover lightly and water gently. Keep the surface moist during germination. Label the row; first shoots are easily confused with grass.
Modules keep the start manageable
Sow small amounts in modules and give plenty of light. Plant sturdy root balls after acclimatising outdoors. Do not pull young roots apart unnecessarily. Water the root ball and surrounding soil immediately.
Give the white base space
Thin crowded seedlings so each stem can grow. Small early thinnings can be a first harvest once usable. Leave more space for thicker stems than for very young harvests; follow the chosen variety's advice.
Weed early and retain moisture
Upright leaves let plenty of light reach the soil, so weeds remain competitors. Hand-weed close to the plants. Water the soil and check container crops regularly. Add only feed suited to the potting compost and growing duration.
Check leaves and the base of the roots
Yellow or limp foliage may relate to drought, wet roots or damage. First investigate the soil and an affected plant. Rotate the onion family to another space after repeated problems and consider insect mesh where flies are an issue; do not mix diseased material with healthy harvests.
Harvest the stem you need
Loosen the soil with a small trowel and lift the plant with its roots. Cut away the root base and rinse soil from the outer leaf layers. Both white and healthy green parts can go to the kitchen. Harvest before significant ageing or bolting for tender stalks.
Fresh use is the starting point
Store bunching onions briefly and cool, preferably using fresh. They are not dry bulbs to mature in a net for months. Note how many stems you actually use; this helps adapt future sowings to your kitchen.
What you need
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More background, sources and image information
SeedSteps editorial team · updated on 11 October 2026. The AI images illustrate species and practical growing situations; they do not prove an exact cultivar, observations from your own garden or yield.
Britse gewasadviezen worden gecombineerd met Nederlandse en Vlaamse informatie waar beschikbaar. Amerikaanse Extension-bronnen ondersteunen plantprincipes en herkenning; hun kalenderdata, lokale plaagdruk, bestrijdingsmiddelen en mestdoseringen worden niet rechtstreeks op Nederland of Vlaanderen toegepast. Vorst, bodemwarmte, standplaats en expliciete rasinformatie blijven de lokale controle. Commerciële bronnen onderbouwen uitsluitend benoemde ras- en plantkenmerken; zij zijn geen affiliate-aanbeveling.
- World Checklist of Vascular Plants — 4 juni 2026Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · accessed 2026-10-07
- Ajuin doux de Florence ras van Simiane zaden biologischFeggies · accessed 2026-10-11
- Ajuin rood van Abbeville zaden biologischFeggies · accessed 2026-10-11
- Ajuin Stuttgart zaden biologischFeggies · accessed 2026-10-11
- Ui Sturon 500gram BiologischFeggies · accessed 2026-10-11
- Ajuin wit uit Lisboa zaden biologischFeggies · accessed 2026-10-11
- Shakespeare Gele Herfst Ui - 250gr BiologischFeggies · accessed 2026-10-11
- Bosui en stengelui telenDe Bolster · accessed 2026-10-10
- RHS — stengelui kwekenRoyal Horticultural Society · accessed 2026-10-10
Supporting evidence by chapter: Stem onion is not a storage onion: Royal Horticultural Society, De Bolster. Spread the harvest across small sowings: Royal Horticultural Society, De Bolster. Fine soil around small seeds: Royal Horticultural Society, De Bolster. Modules keep the start manageable: Royal Horticultural Society, De Bolster. Give the white base space: Royal Horticultural Society, De Bolster. Weed early and retain moisture: Royal Horticultural Society, De Bolster. Check leaves and the base of the roots: Royal Horticultural Society, De Bolster. Harvest the stem you need: Royal Horticultural Society, De Bolster. Fresh use is the starting point: Royal Horticultural Society, De Bolster.