SproutSmart
SproutSmart Intelligent Garden Sowing

Guardsman

Bunching Onion
Botanical illustration of Guardsman
🌱 45d to harvest Upright

Sweet, crisp green stalks rise in tight bunches, offering a clean onion fragrance with a gentle, fresh bite. Guardsman bunching o…

Planting Schedule

Add Guardsman to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsApr 20th
Last FrostMay 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsJun 1st
Harvest BeginsJul 16th
Harvest EndsAug 29th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity45
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)55
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions


What pest or disease commonly affects Allium fistulosum (guardsman) and what should I do?
Watch for onion thrips and downy mildew, which can show up as streaking/silvery patches on leaves and pale gray-purple fuzz on foliage in humid weather. Remove and discard heavily spotted leaves, keep the bed well spaced for airflow, and avoid overhead watering; if thrips are active, use insecticidal soap and repeat every 5–7 days until new growth is clean.
How often should I water Allium fistulosum during the main growing phase?
During active leaf growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy—water about 1–2 times per week depending on your heat and soil, and increase frequency only if the soil dries out that far down. In consistently wet conditions, Allium fistulosum is more prone to foliar issues, so water deeply and then let the surface begin to dry before the next watering.
How can I tell when guardsman (Allium fistulosum) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when leaves are thick and flavorful—typically around 45 days—after you have several inches of regrowth. For a cut-and-come-again harvest, cut outer leaves near the base and leave the inner shoots to keep producing; for a one-time harvest, pull entire plants when the clump is well formed and sturdy.
Botanical illustration of Guardsman

Sweet, crisp green stalks rise in tight bunches, offering a clean onion fragrance with a gentle, fresh bite. Guardsman bunching onions form slender, tender stems with crisp texture and a mild, appealing flavor that shines when gathered young. Ideal for fresh use in salads and garnishes, and especially beloved for quick skillet-style flavoring and vibrant sauces where their delicate character stays bright.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For the mildest, tenderest stalks, keep soil evenly moist and harvest young before stalks thicken.