From Forgotten Pot to Seed-Saving Success: A Gardener's Guide to Overwintered Spring Onions

The Curious Case of Overwintered Spring Onions

Have you ever forgotten a pot of something? We all have. And sometimes, those forgotten plants hold surprising lessons. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of overwintered spring onions, exploring what happens when these humble bulbs are left to their own devices.

The Tale of the Forgotten Pot

Imagine a pot of spring onions, planted with the best of intentions. Then, winter arrives, and the pot gets overlooked. Months pass, and you might expect nothing but a pot of dry soil. But what if, instead, you find a verdant explosion of growth?

This scenario isn’t as uncommon as you might think. Spring onions, also known as scallions, are surprisingly resilient. They can often survive mild winters, particularly when protected in a container. And when spring finally arrives, they’re ready to burst forth with renewed vigor.

The Second-Year Spring Onion: A Different Beast

What makes these second-year spring onions so different? The key is the plant’s life cycle. Spring onions are typically grown as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. However, they are biennials. If allowed to overwinter, they’ll behave differently in their second year.

• Bulb Development: Unlike freshly sown spring onions, which are harvested before significant bulb development, overwintered plants have had a chance to establish larger bulbs. These bulbs store energy over the winter, fueling the rapid growth you see in the spring.
• Green Growth: The initial burst of green growth is often more substantial than what you’d get from newly planted onions. This is due to the stored energy in the bulb.
• Flowering and Seed Production: The most significant difference is the plant’s focus on reproduction. In their second year, spring onions are highly likely to flower and produce seeds. This is the plant’s natural way of ensuring the continuation of its species.

Will They Flower Without the Stems?

The original poster in this scenario wonders if their spring onions will flower without the typical stems. The answer is yes, they almost certainly will. The bulb will send up a flower stalk, which will eventually produce a cluster of small, white or purple flowers. These flowers are followed by seed heads, which contain the onion seeds.

The Middle Onion: A Relative Normalcy

The observation that the middle onion looks more “normal” is also an interesting one. This could be due to a few factors:

• Age and Maturity: The middle onion may simply be younger or less established than the others, and therefore, it hasn’t yet entered the flowering phase as aggressively.
• Environmental Factors: Microclimates within the pot can influence plant development. The middle onion might have experienced slightly different conditions than the others, affecting its growth pattern.
• Variety: If the onions were grown from seed, there might be slight variations in the plants’ genetics, leading to differences in their response to overwintering.

Can You Harvest Them?

Yes, you can harvest overwintered spring onions. The green tops are perfectly edible and can be used in the same way as fresh spring onions. However, keep in mind that the plant is now focused on flowering and seed production, so the flavor may be slightly different.

• Harvesting the Greens: You can harvest the green tops as needed, just as you would with fresh spring onions. However, avoid taking too much from the plant, as this will weaken its ability to flower and produce seeds.
• Harvesting the Bulbs: The bulbs themselves can also be harvested. They may be larger and more pungent than those of young spring onions. But you must be aware that doing so means the end of any possible seed harvest.

Saving Seeds: A Gardener’s Delight

One of the most exciting aspects of overwintering spring onions is the opportunity to save seeds.

• Letting the Flowers Bloom: Allow the flowers to fully develop and then fade. This is when seed production begins.
• Watching for Seed Heads: As the flowers fade, seed heads will form. These will gradually turn brown and dry.
• Harvesting the Seeds: Once the seed heads are completely dry and starting to split open, it’s time to harvest the seeds. Carefully cut off the seed heads and place them in a paper bag or container.
• Drying and Cleaning: Allow the seed heads to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Then, gently crush the seed heads to release the seeds. You can use a fine mesh sieve to separate the seeds from the chaff.
• Storing the Seeds: Store the seeds in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a labeled envelope or airtight container. Properly stored spring onion seeds can remain viable for several years.

Propagation and Further Growing

• Planting the seeds: Plant the seeds in spring, either indoors for an earlier start or directly in the garden after the last frost. The seeds will germinate and produce young spring onions.
• Division: Another method of propagation is division. You can dig up the overwintered plants and carefully separate the bulbs. Replant the bulbs and they will continue to grow.

The Benefits of Letting Onions Overwinter

• Free Seeds: Saving seeds is a cost-effective way to ensure you have spring onions for years to come.
• Unique Flavors: Overwintered onions may have a stronger, more complex flavor profile.
• Early Harvest: You can harvest the green tops early in the season.
• Ecological Benefits: Allowing your plants to flower provides food for pollinators.
• Experimentation: Gardening is all about experimenting. Letting your spring onions overwinter allows you to see how they react to the change of season.

Potential Problems

While overwintering spring onions can be rewarding, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

• Bolting: The primary issue with allowing spring onions to overwinter is that they are likely to bolt, or send up a flower stalk. This process diverts energy from the production of flavorful leaves and bulbs, although the greens can still be used and the flowers attract beneficial insects.
• Pests and Diseases: Overwintered onions are potentially more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble and address them promptly.
• Space: Overwintering plants will take up space in your garden or container area. Be sure you have room for them.

Conclusion

The tale of the forgotten spring onions is a testament to the resilience of nature and the joys of gardening. By allowing these plants to overwinter, you can witness a fascinating transformation, enjoy a different kind of harvest, and potentially save seeds for future plantings. So, the next time you overlook a pot in your garden, remember the spring onions and the lessons they might have to teach you.