If you’re anything like me, you probably love having fresh herbs and vegetables available right at your fingertips. One of my favorite kitchen hacks is growing green onions from the ones I already have. It’s a super simple and rewarding process that can save you money and help you have fresh, homegrown produce ready whenever you need it. Plus, it’s so easy that you don’t need to be a gardening expert!
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Why reGrow Green Onions from Scraps?
Green onions (aka scallions) are super versatile—great in salads, tacos, soups, and more. But if you’ve ever had extras wilt in the fridge, you’ll love this trick: regrow them from scraps! It’s easy, sustainable, and honestly pretty fun to watch them come back to life. I’m big on reducing waste—I even air fry potato peels into crispy skins. Waste less, eat more!
Why This Works
Green onions are part of the allium family (like garlic and leeks), and they naturally regenerate from their roots. They don’t need fancy soil or fertilizer—just water, light, and a bit of patience. This regrowing method is perfect if you want to reduce waste, save money, and add a little greenery to your kitchen.
What You’ll Need:
- Green onion root ends (about 2 inches long)
- A small glass, jar, or cup
- Fresh water
- A sunny windowsill
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Scraps
After using the tops of your green onions, save the white root ends. You want at least 1–2 inches left on the bottom of each stalk, including the roots. These are the powerhouses that will grow new greens.
2. Place in Water
Stand the root ends upright in a glass of water with the roots submerged and the tops exposed. You can place multiple scraps in one jar as long as they aren’t packed too tightly.
3. Set by the Light
Put the jar on a sunny windowsill. Green onions love light and will thrive with just a little daily sunshine.
4. Change the Water Every Few Days
To prevent slime or smell, change the water every 2–3 days. Keep the roots wet, but don’t submerge the tops.
5. Watch Them Grow
Within just a couple of days, you’ll notice new green shoots sprouting up. It’s seriously exciting—by day 5 or 6, you might already have a few inches of new growth!
6. Harvest and Repeat
Once the greens are long enough, snip off what you need with scissors. Leave the roots in the jar to keep growing, or plant them in a small pot of soil for an even longer supply.
Tips
- Don’t let the roots dry out.
- If the tops start getting slimy or discolored, replace the water and trim any bad parts.
- Want fuller growth? After a few regrows in water, transplant to a small pot with soil for a more sustainable source.
How I Use My Regrown Green Onions:
Fresh green onions are my go-to garnish. I toss them into my Air fryer cabbage fritters, sprinkle them over Zucchini fritters, and mix them into scrambled eggs or soups. They’re a game-changer for adding crunch and color to so many dishes—especially if you’re trying to eat more fresh, whole foods on a budget. I especially love using them in my Borscht for that final burst of flavor and freshness—it really ties the whole bowl together.
P.S. If you love simple kitchen hacks and easy recipes, check out my 100 Air Fryer Recipes eBook—it’s packed with delicious ideas that make everyday meals way more exciting (and healthy!).
🌱 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take green onions to regrow?
A: You’ll typically see noticeable regrowth in just 3–5 days. In about a week, they’re usually tall enough to snip and use again.
Q: How many times can I regrow the same green onion scraps?
A: You can regrow the same bunch 3–4 times before the growth slows down or the flavor weakens. Eventually, they’ll need to be replaced with a new store-bought bunch or replanted in soil.
Q: Should I regrow them in water or soil?
A: Water works great for quick regrowth on your windowsill. If you want longer-lasting green onions, plant them in soil after the first regrowth cycle for stronger, fuller stalks.
Q: Do I need direct sunlight?
A: Bright, indirect light works best. A sunny windowsill is ideal! Too little light will slow growth, and too much heat might dry them out quickly.
Q: How often should I change the water?
A: Change the water every 2–3 days to keep it fresh and avoid any funky smells or bacterial buildup.
Q: Can I plant the regrown onions outside?
A: Absolutely! Once they’ve developed a healthy root system, you can transplant them to your garden or a pot for continuous harvests.
Q: How do you store green onions after harvesting or buying them?
A: I like to chop them up ahead of time and store them in the FreshWorks Produce Saver container. It uses FreshVent™ technology to regulate airflow, helping your green onions stay fresher longer. I just keep the container in the fridge, and whenever I need a handful, I take a few pieces and sprinkle them over soups, fritters, or eggs. Stored this way, they usually stay crisp for about 5 days before they start to turn slimy.
Well, how cool is this?? I don’t think I realized you could grow them this way!! Thanks for the info