How to Regrow Spring Onions in Water – Green Onions from Scraps

Learning how to regrow spring onions in water is one of the simplest kitchen hacks for turning scraps into fresh greens. By placing the white base of spring onions (also called green onions or scallions) in a glass of water, you can quickly trigger new shoot growth within days.

This easy onion growing method works because the end has tiny roots that contain stored energy to support rapid regrowth, allowing you to harvest fresh green shoots repeatedly without planting seeds or soil.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to regrow spring onions in water step by step, how long they last, and how to keep them producing healthy new growth for weeks.

Some of the links below are affiliate links. I earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase through an affiliate link.

Scallions vs green onions vs spring onions – What’s the difference?

In everyday cooking and most US grocery stores, green onions and scallions refer to the same vegetable: a young onion harvested before the bulb end develops.

Spring onions are closely related but are typically left to grow longer, which can result in a small bulb forming at the base and a slightly stronger flavor.

If you’re ever confused about the different names, see my guide to types of onions.

What supermarkets usually label them as

In most US supermarkets, what are labeled as green onions (or scallions) refer to young onions harvested early, before the bulb has fully matured. These have long green tops and a straight white base with very little swelling at the root.

Which type works best for regrowing in water

For regrowing in water, the label matters less than the condition of the base. Any stalk with a healthy white section and visible roots will regrow successfully.

However, green onions (also known as scallions) generally work best. They are usually harvested at a younger age, with a straight, white base and intact root ends, which produce new shoots more readily.

Spring onions can also regrow well, but growth may be slower and less uniform.

How to regrow spring onions in water (step-by-step)

This method works for all types of onions, whether you grow them in a vegetable garden or buy them from the grocery store. Whichever type you have on hand – spring onions, green onions, or scallions – the process is very simple. You’ll need:

• A tall, clear glass
• Fresh water
• 1 fresh bunch of green onions (scallions or spring onions)
• Scissors

How to cut spring onions correctly

• Sort your onions, ensuring that each one has some small roots showing.
• The longer the roots are, the faster the green onions will sprout.
• Trim the top green part of the onions so they are all about the same length.
• Be sure to keep the white part intact. This is where the energy is stored.

Place the onions in water the right way

• Place the onions in a tall, clear glass or jar, root end down. (You should be able to see through it.)
• Add cold water so that it sits just above the white part of the onions.
• I found that my water stayed fresh longer if I didn’t add water above the green part of the onion.

Where to keep them for fastest growth (light vs kitchen counter)

• Place the green onions in a spot that gets bright light.
• A sunny windowsill is ideal for regrowth.
• Change the water every 1-2 days.

For a fun project (especially with kids), you can also try a vertical onion garden grown in a soda bottle.

Cutting the green onions as they grow

• Cutting the greens encourages the white roots to send new shoots.
• Each time you cut off the green stem, the white area will send up a new green shoot.

My daughter knows how much I love to regrow green onions in water. She gave me a small onion jar for holding spring onions that are ready to cut.

This little vase is ideal for onions that have a more pronounced white bulb area. They sit side by side in it, and I cut the green parts to use for recipes. 

Day-by-day growth timeline (1–10 days)

This timeline photo shows the progress of my experiment with regrowing spring onions in water.

• Day 1: I placed the spring onions in water and started cutting the green shoots for recipes.
• Day 3: First visible shoots appeared where I made the cuts.
• Day 5: Strong regrowth begins.
• Days 7–10: The greens are ready to cut again.
• Day 10: You’ll notice how long the roots are compared to day 1! 

How many times can you regrow spring onions in water?

Most green onions (scallions or spring onions) can be regrown 2 to 4 times in water before the growth becomes weak or thin.

You might wonder, can you grow green onions in water forever? In water, the answer is no. While they will continue to produce new shoots for a while, the roots gradually lose strength, and the regrowth becomes smaller and less healthy over time.

How long they keep producing depends on how well you care for them:

• Change the water every 1-2 days to prevent bacteria and cloudy water
• Keep only the white root end submerged, not the green tops
• Place them in bright, indirect light for steady growth

From experience, if the water isn’t changed regularly, the roots can become slimy, and the onions stop regrowing sooner. If the green tops sit in water, they tend to turn soft and mushy.

For longer-lasting results, transfer the onions to the soil after a couple of regrowth cycles. There, they will continue growing more vigorously.

Common problems when regrowing green onions in water

If you have trouble getting the green onions to regrow, it could be one of these causes:

• Dirty water: Be sure to change it every few days.
• Incorrect container: Use a clear glass or bottle, so that you can see the water and roots.
• Onions not cut correctly: Leave the white part intact for the best results.
• Not enough water:  If the water for the onions is too low, the onions will dry out and stop sprouting.
• Too much water:   Cover just the white area and let the new growth occur from the green above the water.
• Not enough sunlight: Move the glass closer to a sunny window. All vegetables need some light to grow.

Related posts to help you grow more from kitchen scraps

If you enjoy regrowing green onions in water, these related guides will show you even more easy ways to grow onions and other vegetables at home.

• How to grow onions from sprouted onion bottoms: Another simple way to regrow onions using scraps you already have
• Cut and come again vegetables: Discover more vegetables that you can regrow from scraps.
• Growing spring onions in soil: Take your regrown onions a step further by planting them for continued growth.

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Admin note: This post on how to grow green onions in water first appeared on the blog in October of 2017. I have updated the post with new photos, more information on regrowing green onions, a printable project card, and a slideshow video for you to enjoy.

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Yield: I bunch of green onions to regrow

How to Regrow Spring Onions in Water (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

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Learn how to regrow spring onions in water using simple kitchen scraps. This quick method shows how to grow green onions at home and keep them producing fresh shoots again and again.

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Difficulty easy

Estimated Cost $3

Materials

• Tall, clear glass or vase
• 1 bunch of green onions (scallions or spring onions)
• Water

Tools

• scissors

Instructions

1. Sort the green onions and take out those that don't have at least a few roots growing from the white end.
2. Trim the tops of the onions so they are all about the same length.
3. Place the onions in a clear glass or vase.
4. Add water to just above the white part of the onion.
5. Change the water every 1-2 days with fresh water.
6. Place the glass near a sunny window.
7. In about 2 days, the roots will start growing longer.
8. New shoots will start to grow in about 3 days.
9. Cut and recut the green shoots to use for recipes.
10. Now you have a supply of spring onions that will regrow from just one batch.
11. Be sure to change the water often, or the onions will go mushy.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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  Glazery Green White Ceramic Vase, Cute Flower Vases, Scallion-Shaped Small Vase for Flowers, Holding Spring Onions
• 
  Thick Weighted Clear Cylinder Glass Vases, 4" W x 10" H, Flower Arrangement Floating Candle Holders, Regrowing Onions

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