Growing Spring Onions in Water: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Spring onions (also known as scallions or green onions) are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow in water. Instead of throwing away the roots, you can grow fresh spring onions indoors year-round—no soil needed!
This guide will show you:
✔️ How to regrow spring onions in water
✔️ How to keep them growing for months
✔️ Best tips for strong, healthy regrowth
✔️ How to harvest and use your fresh onions
Let’s get started with growing your own endless supply of spring onions! 🌱💦
Why Grow Spring Onions in Water?
Growing spring onions in water is a simple, eco-friendly way to keep fresh onions on hand without the need for soil or a garden.
Benefits of Growing Spring Onions in Water:
✔️ Quick regrowth – Ready to harvest in just 5-7 days!
✔️ No soil or mess – Perfect for indoor kitchens.
✔️ Saves money – Regrow store-bought onions multiple times.
✔️ Sustainable & eco-friendly – Reduces food waste.
✔️ Minimal maintenance – Just change the water every few days!
🔹 Fact: You can regrow spring onions 3-5 times before they lose their strength!
How to Grow Spring Onions in Water: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Select Your Spring Onions
✔️ Buy fresh, healthy spring onions from the store or farmers’ market.
✔️ Ensure the white bulbs have roots attached—this is essential for regrowth.
Tip: Organic spring onions tend to regrow better than conventionally grown ones.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions for Regrowth
1️⃣ Cut the green tops off, leaving 2-3 inches of the white root section.
2️⃣ Use the green tops for cooking, and keep the root base for regrowing.
Tip: The longer the white section, the stronger the regrowth!
Step 3: Place the Onions in Water
1️⃣ Fill a small glass or jar with fresh water (about 1-2 inches deep).
2️⃣ Place the spring onion roots down into the water, ensuring only the roots are submerged—not the whole bulb.
3️⃣ Place the jar on a sunny windowsill (indirect light is best).
Warning: Avoid submerging the entire white part, as it may cause rotting.
Step 4: Maintain & Change the Water Regularly
✔️ Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
✔️ Rinse the onion roots lightly under running water when changing the water.
✔️ Keep them in a warm, bright location—indirect sunlight is ideal.
Tip: If the water turns cloudy, change it immediately to prevent bacteria growth.
Step 5: Harvest Your Spring Onions
✔️ After 5-7 days, the green shoots will grow 4-6 inches tall.
✔️ Use clean scissors to trim the green tops for cooking.
✔️ Leave at least 1 inch of the green part so the onions can continue regrowing.
Fact: You can regrow the same spring onions 3-5 times before they weaken.
How to Keep Your Spring Onions Growing Longer
To extend the life of your regrowing onions, follow these simple tips:
✔️ Rotate between water & soil – After 2-3 regrowth cycles, transplant them into soil for stronger growth.
✔️ Use filtered or rainwater – Tap water with high chlorine may slow regrowth.
✔️ Give them indirect sunlight – Too much direct sunlight can cause drying out.
✔️ Trim only what you need – Cutting too much at once weakens regrowth.
Tip: If your onions stop regrowing, compost them and start a new batch!
How Many Times Can You Regrow Spring Onions in Water?
Spring onions can regrow 3-5 times in water before their roots weaken.
| Regrowth Cycle | Growth Speed | Quality of Onion |
|---|---|---|
| 1st regrowth | 5-7 days | Strong, vibrant green |
| 2nd regrowth | 6-8 days | Slightly thinner, still flavorful |
| 3rd regrowth | 7-9 days | Less crisp, slightly weaker |
| 4th regrowth | 8-10 days | Thinner leaves, weaker taste |
| 5th regrowth | 9-12 days | Very weak, may not grow much |
After 3-5 cycles, it’s best to plant them in soil or start a new batch.
Fact: Onions grown in soil will last much longer than those in water alone!
How to Use Homegrown Spring Onions
Your fresh, homegrown spring onions are perfect for:
✔️ Salads & garnishes – Adds a fresh crunch to any dish.
✔️ Stir-fries & soups – Enhances flavor with mild onion notes.
✔️ Omelettes & eggs – A great topping for breakfast dishes.
✔️ Dips & sauces – Mix into sour cream, guacamole, or hummus.
✔️ Homemade fried rice – Adds a delicious oniony kick!
Tip: Harvest only what you need, and let the rest keep growing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to regrow spring onions in water?
Spring onions grow back within 5-7 days, reaching full regrowth in 10-14 days.
Can I keep regrowing spring onions forever?
No, after 3-5 regrowth cycles, the onions will weaken. At that point, it’s best to start fresh or transplant them into soil.
Why are my spring onions not growing in water?
✔️ Check the roots – If they are damaged or rotting, they won’t regrow.
✔️ Change the water – Stagnant or dirty water can slow growth.
✔️ Ensure proper light – Indirect sunlight works best.
Can I regrow supermarket spring onions?
Yes! Most store-bought spring onions will regrow as long as they have roots attached.
Should I use tap water or filtered water?
Filtered or rainwater is best, as tap water with high chlorine can slow regrowth.
Final Thoughts: Regrow Your Own Spring Onions at Home!
Growing spring onions in water is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables without any soil or gardening experience.
✔️ Choose fresh spring onions with intact roots.
✔️ Place in a jar of water, keeping roots submerged.
✔️ Change water every 2-3 days to keep them fresh.
✔️ Harvest and regrow multiple times for a continuous supply!
Start regrowing spring onions today and enjoy fresh, homegrown flavor anytime! 🌱💧