You can regrow green onions from the white bulb and root ends of previously used green onions by placing them in water or planting them in soil.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
Growing Green Onions in Water:
- Cut the Green Onions: After using green onions, save the white bulb end with the roots attached. Cut off the green part, leaving about 1-2 inches of green stalk above the white bulb.
- Place in Water: Put the bulb end, roots down, in a glass or jar with enough water to cover the roots, but do not submerge the entire bulb. Submerging the top part of the bulb can cause it to rot.
- Provide Light: Place the glass in a sunny location, such as a windowsill.
- Change the Water: Change the water every 1-2 days to prevent bacterial growth and keep the water fresh.
- Harvest: The green onions will begin to regrow in a few days. You can harvest the green tops as needed, cutting them off like you normally would when cooking. The green onions will continue to regrow.
Growing Green Onions in Soil:
- Prepare a Pot: Fill a small pot with well-draining potting soil.
- Plant the Bulb: Plant the white bulb end in the soil, burying it up to the point where the green stalk begins. Make sure the roots are covered.
- Water: Water the soil thoroughly after planting and keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide Light: Place the pot in a sunny location.
- Harvest: The green onions will regrow in a few days. You can harvest the green tops as needed.
Key Considerations:
- Sunlight: Green onions need sunlight to grow. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water: Consistent moisture is essential. Check the soil or water level regularly and add water as needed. Don't let the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilizer (Optional): While not strictly necessary, you can add a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks to promote faster growth, especially when growing in soil.
- Rotation: For long-term production, it's beneficial to rotate the bulbs. After several harvests, the regrowth might slow down. Start new bulbs from fresh green onions to maintain a continuous supply.
