Variety

White Lisbon

The classic spring onion — quick, mild, and the most versatile garnish in the garden

White Lisbon is the definitive spring onion variety — quick to mature, producing slender white-stemmed salad onions with a mild, fresh flavour. Succession-sow every 3–4 weeks for a continuous harvest from April through October. One of the quickest crops in the kitchen garden — from sowing to harvest in as little as 8 weeks. Also grows well over winter under a cloche for very early spring harvest.

Flavour

Mild, fresh, and clean with a gentle onion heat that doesn't overpower. The white base has more flavour than the green tops. When very young (4–6 weeks old), the flavour is particularly delicate and fresh. Lightly charring over direct fire transforms the mild flavour into something deeper and slightly smoky without becoming harsh.

In the kitchen

Essential as a fresh garnish — sliced into rings over grilled chicken, fish, or in Asian-style dishes. Grill whole spring onions over direct fire until completely charred on the outside (a Spanish calçot-style approach) and the interior is soft and sweet — one of the most delicious things you can do with a spring onion. Serve with romesco sauce.

Growing

Sow direct in shallow drills every 3–4 weeks from March to August for a continuous supply. Also sow in August–September and overwinter under a cloche or fleece for early spring harvest. Sow densely (1cm between seeds) — there's no thinning needed. Harvest when the white base has thickened to about 1cm. Pull rather than cutting.