How To Harvest Spring Onions

Step 1: When to harvest

Spring onions can be harvested continuously through late spring, through summer and into autumn. To ensure a continuous harvest of crop, replant a new batch every three weeks through spring and summer. Each crop is ready for harvest once it has reached approximately 45cm in height, as they start to lose their flavour after this. Spring onions differ from bulb onions in that they must be eaten whilst still young.

Step 2: Harvesting

Lift the selected plants from the soil using a hand fork. Come in at the side of the plants with the fork at an angle, and lift them from the ground. Lightly shake the roots and remove any remaining soil. The plants should be roughly pencil thick towards the base, which would normally take 10 to 12 weeks to achieve.

Step 3: Storage

Spring onions should be eaten as swiftly as possible once harvested, preferably within a day. This will ensure optimum flavour and texture. Dice any small ones you have accidentally removed like you would chives.