Green onions—also known as spring onions, scallions, or hari pyaaz—are among the easiest and fastest vegetables to grow at home. But did you know you can grow them beautifully in hanging plastic pots, even if you have very limited space? Whether you live in an apartment, have a tiny balcony, or just want a cleaner, pest-free way to grow onions, hanging pots are a game-changer.

In this comprehensive 1200-word guide, you’ll learn exactly how to grow green onions from seed all the way to harvest using simple, affordable hanging plastic pots. This space-saving method is perfect for beginners, urban gardeners, and anyone who wants fresh green onions within arm’s reach.

Let’s begin your hanging onion garden adventure!

Why Grow Green Onions in Hanging Plastic Pots?

Growing green onions in hanging pots isn’t just practical—it’s smart gardening. Hanging containers offer several advantages that ground pots can’t.

Space-Saving Design

Ideal for balconies, windows, terraces, or verandas where floor space is limited.

Better Airflow & Fewer Pests

Hanging pots minimize risks of soil insects, snails, and fungal infections.

Easy to Maintain

Watering, pruning, and harvesting are much more convenient at waist height.

Aesthetic & Functional

Green onion leaves grow upright and create a beautiful green curtain effect.

Perfect for Continuous Harvest

You can snip leaves anytime and the plant keeps growing.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Hanging Plastic Pot

The first step is selecting a pot that matches the needs of green onions, which have shallow root systems.

Ideal pot size

Width: 10–12 inches
Depth: 6–8 inches
Hanging type: rope, chain, or wall-mounted pot

Drainage is essential

Green onions hate stagnant water. Look for pots with:

At least 4–5 drainage holes
A sturdy base
Stable hanging support

If needed, drill extra holes yourself.

Pot color

Light-colored pots reflect heat and stay cooler, especially during summer.

Step 2: Preparing the Perfect Soil Mix

Green onions thrive in loose, fertile, well-draining soil.

Best soil mix recipe

40% garden soil or red soil
30% compost or cow dung
20% cocopeat
10% sand or perlite

Why this mix works:

Cocopeat keeps moisture balanced for young roots
Compost promotes leafy, green, fast growth
Sand/Perlite prevents root rot

Before filling the pot, place a small piece of mesh over the drainage holes so soil does not escape.

Step 3: Starting Green Onions from Seeds

Growing onions from seed is economical and rewarding.

Seed Preparation

Green onion seeds germinate quickly but have a short life. So use:

Fresh seeds
Good-quality, disease-free packets

You can optionally soak the seeds in water for 4 hours to boost germination.

How to sow seeds

Fill your hanging pot with prepared soil mix.
Sprinkle seeds evenly across the surface.
Cover lightly with a thin layer of soil (0.5 cm).
Mist gently with a spray bottle.

Spacing

No need for wide spacing—green onions grow well in clusters.

Germination time

5 to 10 days in warm weather

Keep the pot in partial shade until seeds sprout.

Step 4: Placing Your Hanging Pot in the Right Spot

Once seedlings appear, location matters a lot.

Sunlight needs

Green onions require:

4–6 hours of sunlight daily
Partial shade during extreme summer heat

Ideal Hanging Locations:

Balcony grill
Window railing
Terrace hook
Pergola
Balcony ceiling rods

Make sure the pot hangs securely and does not sway too much in strong winds.

Step 5: Watering Green Onions the Right Way

Green onions love consistent moisture but dislike waterlogging.

Watering schedule:

Daily light watering during hot days
Every 2–3 days during cooler months

Watering method:

Use a watering can or spray bottle to avoid splashing soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Tip:

Touch the soil before watering—if the top 1 inch feels dry, water. If it feels moist, wait another day.

Step 6: Feeding Your Green Onions for Faster Growth

Green onions respond well to regular, mild feeding.

Best fertilizers:

Liquid seaweed spray
Vermicompost tea
Cow dung slurry
Diluted fish emulsion
Mustard cake liquid (use monthly)

Feeding schedule:

Feed every 10–14 days during active growth
Increase feeding if leaves look pale or thin

Avoid high-nitrogen chemical fertilizers—they can burn delicate roots in hanging pots.

Step 7: Thinning and Maintaining Seedlings

When seedlings reach 3–4 inches:

Thin overcrowded seedlings

Remove some seedlings to avoid poor airflow, but don’t waste them—you can replant or use them as microgreens.

Mulching (Optional but helpful)

Add a thin layer of cocopeat or dried leaves to maintain moisture.

Step 8: Managing Pests & Diseases

Hanging pots naturally reduce pests, but still keep an eye out.

Common issues:

Black fungus from overwatering
Aphids
Thrips
Leaf tip yellowing (nutrient deficiency)

Natural solutions:

Neem oil spray (weekly)
Garlic-chili spray
Avoid wetting the leaves excessively
Improve sunlight and airflow

Because the pots are elevated, soil insects like snails, slugs, and cutworms rarely cause damage.

Step 9: When and How to Harvest

Green onions grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times.

Harvest timeline:

First harvest: 35–45 days after sowing
Full mature stage: 60–70 days

Harvesting method:

You have two choices:

1. Cut-and-grow method

Snip the leaves 2 inches above soil level.
→ Plant regrows in just 7–10 days.

2. Pull-out harvest

Pull entire plants when needed for cooking.
→ Thin the bed while harvesting.

Fun fact:

Green onions in hanging pots can keep producing for 3–5 months continuously with proper care!

Extra Tips for Maximum Harvest

Tip 1: Plant in batches every 15 days

This ensures a continuous supply of fresh green onions.

Tip 2: Combine with other herbs

Hanging pots can also grow:

Coriander
Chives
Garlic greens
Mint

Perfect for a mini balcony herb garden.

Tip 3: Avoid overfertilizing

Excess nitrogen can cause floppy leaves and weak stems.

Tip 4: Use self-watering hanging pots

Great for gardeners who travel or forget to water.

Tip 5: Rotate the pot every week

This ensures even sunlight on all sides and prevents bending.

Conclusion: Your Hanging Onion Garden, Made Simple

Growing green onions in hanging plastic pots is one of the easiest urban gardening hacks. With just a handful of quality seeds, a lightweight container, and a sunny spot, you can enjoy a fresh, endless supply of green onions right from your balcony.

From seed germination to harvesting juicy green stalks, each step is simple, practical, and perfect for beginners. Plus, the hanging design keeps your plants cleaner, safer, and more productive.

With this guide, you’re ready to create your own sky garden—and harvest flavorful, organic green onions all year long!