Green Onion/Scallion
Allium fistulosum
Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Green Onions vs Chives for Containers: Best Onion-Flavored Allium
Comparing green onions and chives for container growing. Learn which is faster, easier, and more productive for balcony herb gardens.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🧅Green Onion/Scallion | 🧅Chives | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | easy | Chives |
| Days to Harvest | 60 days | 60 days | Green Onion/Scallion |
| Container Size | 4 inch pot | 6 inch pot | Tie |
| Sunlight | full sun | full sun | - |
| Water Needs | moderate | moderate | - |
| Yield | Lower | Higher | Chives |
| Beginner-Friendly | Moderate | ⭐ Yes | Chives |
Key Differences
Growing Cycle
Annual. Harvest entire plant. Regrow from scraps in 1-2 weeks or seed in 60 days.
Perennial. Returns for 5-10 years. Cut leaves, they regrow. Plant once.
Fastest Start Method
From scraps: 7-14 days. Save root ends from grocery store green onions, plant in soil or water.
From division: Instant. Divide established clump and replant. From seed: 60-90 days.
Harvest Method
Pull entire plant or cut green tops (regrows 2-3 times). Use white bulb and green tops.
Cut leaves 2 inches above soil. Leaves regrow continuously. Never pull plant.
Flavor Intensity
Strong onion flavor. White parts pungent, green tops milder. Good for cooking.
Mild onion-garlic flavor. Subtle. Best as finishing garnish. Won't overpower dishes.
Maintenance Effort
Low to moderate. Must replant for continuous supply. Easy from scraps.
Extremely low. Nearly indestructible. Divide every 3-4 years. Effortless.
Visual Appeal
Utilitarian. Green tubes with white ends. Functional not decorative.
Beautiful purple pom-pom flowers in spring. Ornamental and edible. Attractive in containers.
Best for Green Onion/Scallion
Choose Green Onion/Scallion if:
- You want fast results (3-4 weeks from scraps)
- You need strong onion flavor
- You want both white bulbs and green tops
- You love regrowing from kitchen scraps
- You prefer versatile cooking alliums
Best for Chives
Choose Chives if:
- You want a perennial (returns yearly)
- You prefer mild onion-garlic flavor
- You want beautiful edible flowers
- You need extremely low-maintenance plants
- You want continuous harvests for years
Can They Grow Together?
Yes, they can grow together!
Green onions and chives grow well together as both are alliums with similar care needs. Chives are perennial and provide continuous mild flavor while green onions can be replanted throughout the season for stronger onion taste. Both help deter common garden pests.
The Bottom Line
Green Onion/Scallion
Choose green onions for fast results (regrow from scraps in days), strong onion flavor, and versatile cooking use with both white and green parts.
Chives
Choose chives for a nearly indestructible perennial that returns yearly, provides mild onion flavor, and produces beautiful edible purple flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Green Onion/Scallion or Chives?
Chives is generally easier to grow in containers. It requires less maintenance and is more forgiving of mistakes.
Which grows faster: Green Onion/Scallion or Chives?
Green Onion/Scallion reaches harvest maturity faster, typically in 60 days compared to 60 days for Chives.
Can I grow Green Onion/Scallion and Chives together?
Yes! Green onions and chives grow well together as both are alliums with similar care needs. Chives are perennial and provide continuous mild flavor while green onions can be replanted throughout the season for stronger onion taste. Both help deter common garden pests.
Which needs less space: Green Onion/Scallion or Chives?
Both Green Onion/Scallion and Chives have similar space requirements and work well in small containers.
Which produces more: Green Onion/Scallion or Chives?
Chives typically produces more harvest per plant over the growing season, making it better for maximum yield in limited space.
Which is better for beginners: Green Onion/Scallion or Chives?
Chives is more beginner-friendly due to its forgiving nature and easier care requirements. It's a great first plant for new container gardeners.
What are the main differences between Green Onion/Scallion and Chives?
The key differences include: growing cycle, fastest start method, harvest method. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Green Onion/Scallion or Chives for my balcony?
Choose green onions for fast results (regrow from scraps in days), strong onion flavor, and versatile cooking use with both white and green parts. Choose chives for a nearly indestructible perennial that returns yearly, provides mild onion flavor, and produces beautiful edible purple flowers. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
Related Plant Guides
Complete Green Onion/Scallion Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Green Onion/Scallion in containers.
Complete Chives Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Chives in containers.
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