You can easily regrow spring onions from their roots by placing the bulb ends in water and providing sunlight. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare the Spring Onion Bulbs:
- When using spring onions, slice off the green tops for cooking, leaving about 1-2 inches of the white bulb attached to the roots. It's important to keep the roots intact.
2. Place in Water:
- Stand the spring onion bulbs, root-end down, in a small jar or glass. An egg cup can work well for smaller bulbs.
- Add enough water to submerge the roots.
3. Provide Sunlight and Water Changes:
- Place the jar on a windowsill where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
- Change the water every 1-2 days to prevent bacterial growth and keep the water fresh. This helps to ensure healthy growth.
4. Watch Them Grow!
- You'll start to see new green shoots emerging from the bulbs within a few days.
- Continue to change the water regularly, and you can harvest the green tops as needed.
Tips for Success:
- Sunlight: Adequate sunlight is crucial for healthy growth.
- Water Quality: Use clean, fresh water. Avoid using water that is heavily chlorinated.
- Nutrient Boost (Optional): Adding a diluted liquid fertilizer to the water occasionally can provide extra nutrients, but it is not essential.
- Planting in Soil: While growing in water is a great way to get started, you can eventually plant the regrown spring onions in soil for more robust growth and larger harvests. Transplant them into a pot or garden bed with well-draining soil.
By following these simple steps, you can continuously grow fresh spring onions from the root ends, reducing food waste and enjoying homegrown produce.
