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.

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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.

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🌱 Don’t toss those onion scraps! You can regrow spring onions in water in just a few days, and no soil is needed 🙌 Perfect for quick, fresh greens right from your kitchen. ✂️ Cut💧Place in water🌿Watch them grow again!… Share on X

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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.

Yield: I bunch of green onions to regrow

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

4.7 Stars (12 Reviews)

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

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

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16 Comments

Salma says:

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I am new to this kitchen duty of re-growth and your essay sure helps. The internet is loaded with how-to’s but one has to sort through them to find the most reliable. I’m encouraged by how far down the stalk you cut them so I will do so myself. I read your onion instructions and might try them out one of these days. I just found out about lettuce re-growth, also. Your pot for the green onions is very pretty! Thank you from wintry Quebec, Canada.

1. Carol says:
  
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  Hi Salma. Thank you for the kind comment. This trick is one of my favorite. The onions don’t last forever (It is easy to forget to change the water.) But you will get them to grow over and over again. That onion pot is my favorite thing. My daughter gave it to me for just this purpose! Carol
  
  1. Salma says:
    
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    HI Carol and thanks for posting my comment. I read your post about growing the onions in the windows. Pretty interesting! I had no idea that was possible as its so true about stores selling old produce and onions can be hit or miss. Do you have any problems with bugs with these indoor gardens? I was just curious as I brought my Chive plant inside at the end of the fall and these small black things appear out of nowhere. The year before it was parsley and it was just terrible with the same bugs. My other new indoor garden venture is sprouting Mung beans. I had no idea that it was so popular. I used Youtube extensively but only found 2 useful tutorials and wound up finding realistic instructions in my Joy of Cooking cookbook. My 1st batch was thrown out but the 2nd is looking better. With either Green Onions or Mung Beans, its a relief since it can be a chore to visit the grocer only to spend $.50 but spend twice as much on gasoline!! Many thanks for your patience with my many wordy.
    
    1. Carol says:
      
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      People on the internet pass information on without actually trying it themselves. If you actually try it out, you know it works. I have some vidalia onions that I have managed to sprout. Now I am just waiting to see what happens and whether they actually do grow. I’ve have sometimes had problems with bringing bugs in from the outside in the fall. You have to check the plants carefully. Carol
      
      1. Salma says:
        
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        Yes, so true about the flood of material on the internet. I am pleased to share that a red onion scrap has sprouted. It took less than 2 weeks. What a nice feeling to do it yourself and actually have a result.
      2. Carol says:
        
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        I have a vidalia onion that is growing right now. It needs to go in some different soil already since it needs a lot of watering in the seed starting mix. Carol
Jess says:

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Carol-
Your how to was clearly written and highly informative. Are you willing to share your recipe for spring onion cream sauce? I enjoyed reading your blog thank you.

Tessa says:

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This absolutely blew my mind. I love spring onions and use them in a lot of my favorite foods – specifically in salads in the summer. I would have never even thought I could regrow them this way!

Judith says:

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Can you then plant them or would this don’t work?

1. Carol Speake says:
  
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  They would regrow in soil, but I keep them in the kitchen in water to use in recipes.
  
Jackie L Whisler says:

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Do they flower??..

1. Carol Speake says:
  
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  I’ve had them flower outdoors in the ground, but not indoors in water.
  
JJ Lee says:

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My problem is that the white part is my favorite. I usually keep the greens for salads and a garnish. I cook with the whites

Mari says:

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I grow them in water in my kitchen, then planted them in my garden, it did not flourish, so keep it in water in kitchen

Christine says:

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I have a few questions…
I was starting my regrow of this chive bunch, changed the water once, then I forgot it for over a week, I was coming to change the water and I see some bugs (sperm looking) diving in my chive’s water cup.
I say, they look like that cause they stay at the surface and dive quickly to the bottom when I reach my hand closer.

Its just curiosity, do you know what those are?

1. Carol Speake says:
  
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  It is impossible to diagnose a specific plant bug without seeing the plant in person. This link is image search from google for the search term bugs that like chives. It shows common bugs and might help you identify them.

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