Growing green onions in water is a simple and quick way to enjoy fresh produce right from home. This method eliminates the need for soil, making it a perfect option for apartment dwellers, busy individuals, or those who don't have access to outdoor gardening space. In this beginner's guide, we will be sharing steps on how to grow green onions in water, from selecting the right onion bulbs to maintaining healthy growth.
Before we dive into the steps on how to grow green onions in water, let's first go over some of the essential items you'll need:
Now that you have gathered everything you need, let's get started with the step-by-step process of growing green onions in water.
Choose mature green onion bulbs that are approximately one inch in diameter. Select those with white, firm roots at the base. Look for bulbs that are free of any visible damage or soft spots.
Take your glass jar or vase and fill it with clean water. Make sure to leave about 1 to 2 inches of space at the top before inserting the onion bulbs.
Place the onion bulbs in the glass jar or vase, root side down, and ensure they are fully submerged in the water. Remember, only the roots should be in the water; the green part should be above water.
Place the jar or vase in a sunny area, such as a windowsill. Green onions need about six hours of sunlight daily to grow successfully. If you don't have access to sunlight, you can use an LED grow light as a substitute.
Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Make sure to rinse the roots, the vase or jar thoroughly, and add fresh water.
Green onions are easy to care for, but they still require proper care to grow healthy and delicious. Here are a few tips for proper care of green onions.
Water quality plays a significant role in the growth and health of green onions. If you live in an area with hard water or if your tap water contains a high level of minerals, it's best to use filtered water instead.
Add a small amount of fertilizer to the water every 2-3 weeks. A general-purpose fertilizer or one specifically formulated for hydroponics will work.
If you notice that your onions are becoming overcrowded, thin them out by removing some of the onions from the vase. This will allow the remaining ones to grow bigger and healthier.
Yes, you can grow green onions from scraps. Simply save the bottom white part of the onion with the roots attached and place it in water. Follow the same steps as described in this guide.
No, green onions need sunlight or a substitute like an LED grow light to grow successfully.
Yes, you can plant green onions in soil after growing them in water. Simply transplant the green onions into well-draining soil and care for them as you would for any other plant.
Green onions take about one to two weeks to grow in water, depending on the conditions and how mature the onion bulbs were when started.
Yes, you can grow many vegetables, herbs, and fruits hydroponically. Some examples are lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers.