🧅 How to Grow Green Onion (Leek) from Seeds
Common Names:
Hindi: हरा प्याज़ (Hara Pyaaz) / लीक
Tamil: லீக் வெங்காயம் (Leek Vengayam)
Telugu: లీక్ ఉల్లిపాయ (Leek Ullipaya)
Malayalam: ലീക് ഉള്ളി (Leek Ulli)
Kannada: ಲೀಕ್ ಈರುಳ್ಳಿ (Leek Eerulli)
English: Green Onion / Leek
Botanical Name: Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

1. 🌱 Choose the Right Season

Cool-season crop

Best time to sow:

• In cooler regions: Sept–Feb

• In warm climates: Oct–Jan

Ideal Temperature: 13°C to 24°C

2. 🌾 Prepare the Soil

Soil Type: Loose, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Enrich with:

• Well-rotted compost or vermicompost

• A pinch of wood ash (adds potassium)

• Avoid fresh manure – may cause bulb rot

3. 🌿 Sow the Seeds

Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

Spacing:

• In rows: Space seeds 1 inch apart

• Between rows: 12–15 inches

• In containers: Use wide shallow trays or 10–12 inch deep pots

Mist gently after sowing.

4. 💧 Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, not soggy
Avoid overwatering – can cause fungal issues
Water at the base; avoid wetting leaves

5. 🌱 Germination

Seeds germinate in 7–14 days
Provide warmth and bright light
Thin out to keep strongest seedlings

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

Needs 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Grows best in cooler climates
Mulch soil lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds

7. 🌼 Fertilization

Top-dress with compost every 3–4 weeks
Use liquid seaweed fertilizer or onion-friendly organic feed
Avoid excess nitrogen—promotes soft, floppy leaves

8. 🛡️ Pest Control

Common pests: Thrips, onion maggots, fungal rot
Prevention:

• Neem oil spray every 10–15 days

• Use crop rotation

• Ensure good drainage and air circulation

9. 🌾 Harvesting

Ready in 80–100 days (for full-sized leeks)
Harvest young green onions in 60–70 days

Signs:

• Stems are thick and white

• Leaves are firm and upright

Pull gently from soil or loosen with a trowel.

10. 🔁 Regrow Tip

Use the root end of green onions to regrow
Place in water or moist soil; they regrow quickly
You can also collect seeds from matured flowering plants

🌿 Health Benefits of Leek (Green Onion)

• Rich in vitamin K, C, and folate

• Supports heart health and immunity

• Contains antioxidants and prebiotics

• Aids in digestion and detoxification

• Adds mild onion flavor to soups, stir-fries, and salads