Parade oignon

Parade oignon seeds produce a classic bunching onion (also known as a green onion or scallion) prized for its long, slender white shanks, bright green tops, and mild, sweet flavour. Unlike bulbing onions, Parade stays pencil-thin and upright, making it one of the most productive and space-efficient alliums a home gardener can grow. Its clean white base transitions smoothly into deep green leaves — both parts are fully edible and valued in the kitchen.

Growing Guide

Parade bunching onions reach harvest-ready size in approximately 60 to 65 days from transplant, or 75 to 80 days from direct seeding. They thrive in full sun (at least 6 hours per day) but tolerate partial shade reasonably well, making them a flexible choice for smaller garden spaces.

Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked — Parade tolerates light frosts, making it an ideal cool-season crop. A second sowing in late summer extends harvest into autumn. For a continuous supply, sow every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the growing season.

Direct sow seeds ¼ inch deep, about ½ inch apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Thin to 1 inch between plants once seedlings are established — thinnings are delicious eaten fresh. Parade prefers loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, amended with compost for best results. Keep consistently moist but avoid waterlogged conditions. This variety is well-suited to container growing and raised beds. Difficulty level: beginner-friendly.

Harvest & Use

Harvest Parade bunching onions when the white shanks are ¼ to ½ inch in diameter and the tops are still bright green and upright — typically when plants reach 12 to 15 inches tall. Pull individual stalks as needed, or cut at soil level to encourage regrowth from the roots for a second flush of greens.

The flavour is mild and slightly sweet, far more delicate than storage onions, with a subtle peppery finish that softens when cooked. Both the white base and green tops are used raw in salads, salsas, and garnishes, or lightly cooked in stir-fries, soups, omelettes, and grain bowls. They are a staple in Asian-inspired cooking and work beautifully as a fresh topping for tacos, noodles, and grilled dishes.

Store freshly harvested bunching onions wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best flavour, use within a few days of harvest.

Reliable, productive, and genuinely useful in the kitchen year-round — Parade is the kind of workhorse variety that earns its place in every vegetable garden.