White Lisbon Spring Onion - 0.5 Gram

White Lisbon is a classic spring onion variety known for its crisp white stems, mild taste, and vigorous upright growth. It’s favoured for both its rapid maturity and reliable performance across seasons.

 

Plant type Hardy annual (or biennial in mild climates)

Height 30–45 cm

Bulb size Small to no bulb; thickened white stem (blanched base)

Color Bright white base with green upright hollow tops

Flavour Mild, sweet, slightly pungent when raw; mellows when cooked

Texture Crunchy and juicy

Use Salads, garnishes, stir-fries, or cooked whole

This variety is great for succession sowing and can be harvested young or allowed to mature for larger stems.

 

Growing Conditions

Light Full sun (minimum 6 hours/day)

Soil Well-draining, fertile loam; light and fluffy texture is ideal

pH Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)

Watering Consistent moisture, especially in dry spells—avoid waterlogging

Feeding Light feeder—apply compost or a low-nitrogen balanced fertilizer before sowing

 

Sowing Instructions

Direct Sowing (best method)

When to sow

Spring crop Early spring, as soon as soil is workable

Autumn crop Late summer to early autumn (for mild climates or under cover)

Succession sowing Every 2–3 weeks for a steady harvest

Seed depth 0.5–1 cm

Spacing

Thin to 2–3 cm apart in rows

Rows 15–25 cm apart

For bunching sow closely (1 cm apart) and harvest young

Starting Indoors (optional)

When 6–8 weeks before last frost

Transplant Once 10–15 cm tall; gently tease apart clumps

Note Transplanting may slow early growth but allows for early spring harvests

Germination

Temperature 10–25°C

Time 7–14 days

 

Growing Season & Tips

Cool-season crop Performs best in spring and autumn

Can tolerate light frost, making it ideal for overwintering in mild climates

Does not bulb up, so harvest once stems are pencil-thick or to preferred size

Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds

 

Common Pests & Problems

Pests

Onion fly (onion maggot) Larvae tunnel through base – use fine mesh covers and rotate crops

Thrips Tiny insects causing silvery streaks – use insecticidal soap or neem oil

Aphids Found on young shoots – hose off or treat with neem

Slugs/snails May feed on seedlings – use traps or barriers

 

Diseases

Downy mildew Yellow streaks and fuzzy growth – improve air flow and avoid overhead watering

White rot Fungal disease affecting roots – rotate crops and avoid planting alliums in the same spot yearly

Rust Orange pustules on leaves – remove affected leaves and rotate crops

Botrytis (grey mould) In cool, damp conditions – thin plants and increase air circulation

 

Harvesting Tips

Baby onions Ready in ~6 weeks

Mature spring onions 8–12 weeks from sowing

Harvest Gently pull or lift with a fork to avoid damaging roots

Storage Best used fresh; store in the fridge for up to 1 week

Leaves Entire plant is edible tops can be used like chives or scallions