Regrow Green Onions from Scraps
The easiest kitchen scrap to regrow - free green onions forever!
What You Need
- • Green onion root ends (white part with roots attached)
- • A glass or jar with water
- • Sunny windowsill
- • Optional: small pot with soil for long-term growing
Step-by-Step Guide
Save the Root Ends
When using green onions, cut them leaving 2-3 inches of white part with roots attached. Don't throw this away!
Place in Water
Put root ends in a glass with just enough water to cover the roots (about 1 inch). Too much water causes rot.
Find a Sunny Spot
Place on a sunny windowsill. Change water every 1-2 days to prevent slime and rot.
Watch Them Grow!
Green shoots will start appearing within days. In 1-2 weeks, they'll be tall enough to harvest.
Harvest & Repeat
Cut greens above white part, leaving 2 inches to regrow. For unlimited harvests, plant in soil!
Water vs Soil Growing
Growing in Water
- + No soil needed
- + Fun to watch roots grow
- + Great for kids
- - Must change water often
- - Limited regrows (2-4x)
- - Weaker flavor over time
Growing in Soil
- + Unlimited regrows
- + Stronger, better flavor
- + Faster regrowth
- + Can harvest for years
- - Requires pot and soil
- - Takes more space
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can you regrow green onions?
In water, you can typically harvest 2-4 times before quality declines. In soil, green onions can regrow indefinitely - some people harvest from the same plant for years.
Should I regrow green onions in water or soil?
Start in water to see roots grow (fun for kids!), then transplant to soil for better long-term results. Soil-grown onions have stronger flavor and regrow more times.
Why are my regrown green onions slimy?
The water isn't being changed often enough. Change water every 1-2 days to prevent rot. If slime develops, trim off the slimy parts and refresh with clean water.
How long until I can harvest regrown green onions?
First harvest in about 1-2 weeks when greens are 6+ inches tall. Cut above the white part, leaving 2 inches to regrow. In soil, they'll regrow faster than in water.