How to Grow Green Onions in Water: You can grow green onions in water by using the white part with roots. Just place them in a glass of water and keep it near sunlight. Within 5 to 7 days, fresh green shoots will grow again. It’s the easiest way to regrow vegetables at home.
I love gardening at home, especially when I can grow something useful in the kitchen. One of my favorite and easiest tricks is growing green onions in water. I have done this many times, and it always works. You don’t need soil or a big garden. All you need is the leftover root part of green onions, some clean water, and a glass.
Table of Contents
Quick Tips – How to Grow Green Onions in Water
- Use the white root part of store-bought green onions.
- Place them root-side down in a glass with clean water.
- Keep the glass near a window with good sunlight.
- Change the water every 2 to 3 days.
- In 5 to 7 days, fresh green shoots will grow again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grow Green Onions in Water
Step 1: Save the Root End of Green Onions
After using green onions in cooking, don’t throw the bottom part. I always cut 2 to 3 inches from the bottom, including the roots. These leftover pieces are what we use to regrow green onions.
Step 2: Choose a Clean Glass or Jar
Take a small, clean glass or jar. I usually use a small tea glass or a bottle. Make sure it’s transparent so you can see the water level and the roots growing.
Step 3: Add Water
Fill the glass with clean water—just about 1 inch high. Only the root part should be in the water. The top part (where green leaves will grow) should stay above the water.
Step 4: Place the Onions in Water
Now put the green onion pieces root-side down into the glass. The roots should touch the water. I sometimes use a small toothpick to support them if they don’t stand straight.
Step 5: Keep It in a Sunny Spot
Place the glass near a window or balcony where it can get indirect sunlight. I usually keep it in my kitchen window. Around 4 to 6 hours of light per day is enough.
Step 6: Change the Water Regularly
To keep the roots healthy and avoid bad smell, I change the water every 2 to 3 days. I also wash the glass and rinse the roots with fresh water. This helps avoid fungus and keeps the plant fresh.
Step 7: Watch It Grow
Within 2 days, you’ll notice the green part starting to grow again. In 5 to 7 days, the green shoots grow 4 to 6 inches long. It feels so nice to see your food growing back so quickly.
Step 8: Harvest the Greens
Once the green part becomes long, I cut it with clean scissors. I use it in omelets, soups, or garnishing dishes. You can keep the root part in the water to regrow again.
Step 9: Regrow Again or Shift to Soil
You can regrow green onions in water 3 to 4 times. After that, they may become weak or thin. When I notice this, I shift them to a small pot with soil for longer growth.
Common Problems and Easy Solutions
| Problem | My Solution |
|---|---|
| Water smells bad | Change water every 2–3 days, clean glass |
| Roots look slimy or dirty | Rinse gently with clean water |
| No growth after 4 days | Keep in better sunlight, replace old roots |
| Shoots growing thin | Shift to soil for stronger regrowth |
Why I Love This Method
Growing green onions in water is:
- Very easy for beginners
- Requires no soil or big setup
- Saves money – no need to buy again
- Reuses kitchen scraps
- Fun and quick to grow indoors
I started this as a simple experiment in my kitchen. Now it’s part of my routine. Whenever I use green onions, I save the bottom part and regrow them again. It’s satisfying and feels good to grow your own food—even just a small part of it.
Can I Use Tap Water?
Yes, you can. I use tap water and it works well. If your tap water is hard, try using filtered or boiled-and-cooled water.
How to Plant in Soil After Regrowing in Water?
Here’s what I do when I shift the green onions to soil:
- Take a small pot with holes at the bottom.
- Fill with garden soil or potting mix.
- Make a small hole and place the root part in it.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Keep the pot in a sunny spot.
- Water every 2 to 3 days or when soil feels dry.
This gives better and longer-lasting growth after you have regrown in water a few times.
FAQs – Growing Green Onions in Water
How long does it take for green onions to regrow in water?
Usually, you will see growth within 2 to 3 days, and in 5 to 7 days, the green part grows 4 to 6 inches long—ready to cut and use.
How many times can I regrow green onions in water?
You can regrow green onions 3 to 4 times in water. After that, they may become thin or slow. Then you can plant them in soil for longer growth.
Is it safe to eat green onions regrown in water?
Yes, it is completely safe. I eat the regrown greens often. Just wash them properly before using in your food.
Conclusion
If you’re new to gardening or want to grow something indoors, try this method. Growing green onions in water is simple, clean, and fast. I’ve done it many times, and it always works. You can regrow it again and again, and even plant it in soil later.
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