How to Grow Green Onions in Water: Regrow green onions in water by placing the roots in a glass, adding water, and keeping them in sunlight. Change water often and add fertilizer for best growth.
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.
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Quick Tips – 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.
Here is a detailed, simple version of how to grow green onions in water using 7 clear steps, written in a natural, personal tone. It’s based on gardening experience and perfect for SEO and Google Discover:
How to Grow Green Onions in Water – 7 Simple Steps
1. Cut and Save the White Bulb with Roots
After using the green part of the onions in your food, don’t throw away the white bulb. Just cut the green tops and leave about 1 to 2 inches of the bottom part with roots. This root part is what regrows.
I always use fresh, healthy bulbs. If the roots are brown or dry, they may not grow well.
2. Choose a Clean Glass or Jar
Take a small glass or transparent jar that can hold the onion bulbs upright. A narrow jar helps support the onions so they don’t fall over.
- I usually use an old glass bottle or a mason jar.
- Make sure to wash the jar properly to avoid bacterial growth.
3. Add Water – Just Enough to Cover the Roots
Fill the jar with clean water — but not too much. The goal is to cover only the roots with about 1 inch of water.
- Do not cover the full bulb, or it might rot.
- Room-temperature water works best.
I always double-check that the bulb stays above water and only the roots stay soaked.
4. Place the Jar in a Sunny Spot
Now put the jar in a place that gets good sunlight. A windowsill or balcony with indirect light is ideal.
- I place my jar near a south-facing window where it gets natural light.
- Avoid putting it in strong afternoon sun — too much heat may dry out the plant.
5. Change the Water Every 2–3 Days
To keep the onions healthy, it’s very important to change the water every 2 to 3 days. Dirty water can smell and slow down growth.
- I make a habit of rinsing the jar and roots gently while changing the water.
- Clean water helps prevent fungus or slimy roots.
6. Harvest in 5 to 7 Days
Within a few days, you’ll see small green shoots coming up from the top. In about a week, the onions will grow tall again — usually 4 to 6 inches.
- I cut the green parts with clean kitchen scissors.
- The bulb stays in the jar and grows again!
You can easily get 2 to 3 harvests this way.
7. Add Fertilizer for Better Regrowth (Optional)
After a few cuts, the growth might slow down. If you want to continue using the same bulb, add a few drops of liquid fertilizer in the water once a week.
- I use mild organic liquid fertilizer.
- It really boosts the growth and keeps the onions fresh and green.
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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