Green onions are the kitchen heroes that rarely get the spotlight they deserve. Crisp, mild, and full of flavor, they brighten up salads, soups, and stir-fries in a pinch.

But here’s something even better: you can grow a never-ending supply of green onions from just a bunch of store-bought ones.

That’s right—you don’t need seeds or a fancy setup. Just the green onions you already have.

With a simple planting method, you can regrow fresh, flavorful green onions over and over again, right from their white ends.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to grow green onions from onions—and by onions, I mean green onions, not bulb onions.

I’ll also point you to other helpful guides like how to grow green onions from scraps and how to grow green onions indoors to give you a full picture of your options.

Ready to get started? Let’s grow green onions from onions!

What Does It Mean to Grow Green Onions from Onions?

When we say grow green onions from onions, we’re specifically talking about regrowing fresh green shoots from mature green onions—the same ones you buy at the grocery store.

Unlike growing from seed or waiting for scraps to recover, this method uses the whole green onion, particularly the white base with roots still attached.

This technique is one of the most efficient ways to stretch a single bunch into multiple harvests. It’s ideal if you want quick results and don’t want to deal with seed-starting trays or potting up from tiny sprouts.

If you’re curious about other easy-growing methods, be sure to check out:

• 👉 How to Grow Green Onions from Scraps – Perfect if you only have leftover tops or roots.
• 👉 How to Grow Green Onions Indoors – Great for small space gardening or growing year-round on your kitchen counter.
• 👉 How to Grow Green Onions – Our complete guide covers all methods, from seed to scrap to full plant regrowth.

In this post, I’ll take you step-by-step through the process of regrowing green onions from their original form—no seeds, no waste, and no guesswork.

Step-by-Step: How to Grow Green Onions from Onions

Growing green onions from onions isn’t just beginner-friendly—it’s nearly foolproof.

With a handful of fresh green onions and a little care, you can regrow them indoors or outdoors and harvest them multiple times.

The key is to preserve the white bulb portion with roots intact and plant it correctly for continuous regrowth.

Follow the steps below to learn exactly how to grow green onions from green onions and keep them thriving.

Step 1: Select Healthy Green Onions with Roots

Start by choosing a fresh bunch of green onions that still have the white bulb and stringy roots attached.

These are usually sold in grocery stores in full form—green tops and all. Avoid any that look slimy, moldy, or have mushy roots.

The healthier the base, the better your chances of regrowth. Organic green onions are often preferred because they’re less likely to be treated with growth inhibitors that can slow down sprouting.

If your green onions are already showing tiny new root tips or fresh green shoots, that’s a great sign—they’re ready to grow again.

Step 2: Trim and Prepare the Green Onions

Use a clean pair of scissors or a sharp knife to trim off the green tops of the onions.

On this, I recommend FELCO F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner (pictured above), a hardy garden tool.

Leave about 2 to 3 inches of the white stem, making sure to keep the roots intact. You can use the trimmed greens immediately in your cooking or store them in the fridge.

This trimmed base is what you’ll plant. If the outer layer is slimy or dried out, you can gently peel it off to reveal a firmer layer underneath.

Doing so encourages better root growth and reduces the risk of rot.

Step 3: Decide Where to Grow – Soil or Water

Before you plant, decide whether you want to grow your green onions in soil or water. Both methods work, but each has pros and cons.

• Soil offers stronger regrowth over time and allows the onions to develop deeper roots. It’s ideal for long-term harvesting.
• Water is quick and easy—you simply place the onion bases in a glass with just enough water to cover the roots. However, this method may only allow for a few regrowth cycles before the onions lose vitality.

If you’re unsure which to choose, start in water for a few days to let the roots strengthen, then transplant to the soil for a more sustainable harvest.

Step 4: Plant the Bases

If you’re planting in soil, choose a small pot with drainage holes or a spot in your garden that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Again, when it comes to durable planting pots, you will never go wrong with this 10-Inch Whiskey Barrel Planter (pictured ⬆). The pot is durable, lightweight, and comes with a drainage saucer.

Fill the container or bed with well-draining potting mix.

Plant the onion bases root-down into the soil, spacing them about 1 to 2 inches apart.

Leave the cut top portion exposed above the soil surface. Gently firm the soil around each piece to keep them upright.

For water propagation, place the onion bases upright in a jar or glass. Fill with just enough clean water to cover the roots, but not the entire white base.

Place the container on a sunny windowsill and change the water every 2 days to prevent bacteria buildup.

Step 5: Water and Watch Them Grow

For soil-grown green onions, water lightly but consistently—just enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Too much water can lead to root rot. For water-grown onions, keep an eye on the water level and cleanliness.

In just a few days, you’ll begin to see green shoots growing from the tops. These shoots will grow quickly, often reaching 6 inches or more in under two weeks, especially if they receive enough sunlight.

You can start harvesting once the greens are long and lush—but don’t cut too low!

Always leave at least 1 inch of growth above the soil or water line to ensure the plant continues to regenerate.

Step 6: Keep Harvesting and Regrowing

Green onions can be harvested multiple times from the same base. After each cut, give the plant a few days to bounce back.

With proper care, you can get 3 to 5 rounds of harvest before the regrowth begins to slow down.

Eventually, the onion base may become depleted, slimy, or stop producing. When that happens, simply compost the old piece and start again with a fresh green onion.

This cycle ensures you always have a supply of fresh scallions at your fingertips.

Best Practices and Common Mistakes When Growing Green Onions from Onions

Now that you know how to grow green onions from onions, it’s time to fine-tune your approach.

Even though this method is simple, there are a few important do’s and don’ts that can make or break your success—especially if you want to keep harvesting again and again.

Below are the top best practices to follow and the most common mistakes to avoid.

Best Practices for Growing Green Onions Successfully

✅ Use green onions with healthy white bases and visible roots.
A sturdy, fresh base with roots is the most important foundation for successful regrowth. The roots don’t have to be long—but they should be firm and not mushy.

✅ Start in water, then move to soil for longer-lasting growth.
Water is great for kickstarting growth quickly, especially if you’re doing this indoors. But for a sustainable, long-term harvest, transplanting into soil gives the roots more nutrients and stability.

✅ Harvest with care—leave at least one inch of the shoot behind.
Avoid cutting all the way down to the base. Leaving a bit of the green stalk helps the plant regenerate faster and reduces stress.

✅ Place your green onions in a sunny location.
Whether you’re growing indoors on a windowsill or outdoors in a container or bed, make sure they receive at least 4–6 hours of sunlight per day. Green onions are light-loving and need it to grow full and flavorful.

✅ Fertilize occasionally if grown in soil.
If your soil is depleted or you’re growing in containers, a mild, organic liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks can help your green onions stay vibrant and productive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Green Onions from Onions

⚠️ Using green onions with dried-out or rotting roots.
No matter how fresh the tops look, if the roots are damaged or slimy, the plant won’t grow. Always check the root health before planting.

⚠️ Submerging the entire base in water.
If you’re growing in water, only the roots—not the full white bulb—should be submerged. Covering too much of the base invites rot and mold.

⚠️ Overwatering when growing in soil.
Too much moisture can suffocate the roots and lead to fungal issues. Use well-draining soil and water only when the top inch feels dry.

⚠️ Growing in low-light conditions.
If your green onions look pale or leggy, they likely aren’t getting enough light. Move them to a sunnier location or supplement with a grow light.

⚠️ Cutting all the way to the soil or water line.
Harvesting too aggressively slows down or even stops regrowth. Always leave a little bit of the green shoot to allow the plant to bounce back.

Troubleshooting: Why Aren’t My Green Onions Growing?

Even though growing green onions from onions is usually low-maintenance, problems can still crop up.

If you’re not seeing the results you expected—whether it’s stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or a foul smell—don’t worry. Most issues are easy to fix with a small adjustment.

Here are some common problems and what you can do to solve them:

My Green Onions Are Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of insufficient sunlight, overwatering, or nutrient deficiency.

Solution:
Move your green onions to a brighter location—ideally where they’ll get at least 6 hours of direct light daily.

If you’re growing in soil, add a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month to replenish nutrients.

On this, the best you can use for excellent results is Triple 10 All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer (pictured ⬆). This 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer is filled with Amino Acids that will make your neighbors envy your green onions!

Cut back slightly on watering to avoid soggy roots.

The Bulbs Are Getting Slimy or Moldy in Water

This is a classic sign of water that hasn’t been changed frequently or too much of the bulb being submerged.

Solution:
Make sure only the roots are touching the water—not the entire bulb. Change the water every 2 days, and rinse the container with warm water to prevent bacterial buildup.

If the base looks mushy or smells bad, discard it and replace it with a fresh one.

Shoots Have Stopped Growing After a Few Harvests

Green onions don’t grow forever from the same bulb. After a few cycles, the original plant loses energy.

Solution:
Compost the spent onion base and begin again with a fresh green onion. To keep a steady supply going, start new batches every 1–2 weeks so you always have another one ready to grow.

My Green Onions Are Leggy or Floppy

This is usually due to insufficient light or excessive heat indoors.

Solution:
Shift your container to a sunnier window or supplement with a grow light. Rotate the pot daily to prevent leaning.

If growing near a heat source (like a stove or radiator), move the onions somewhere cooler to reduce stress.

Growth Is Extremely Slow or Nonexistent

Sometimes, the green onion bulb you started with was already too old, weak, or treated with growth inhibitors.

Solution:
Start fresh with high-quality, ideally organic green onions. Look for firm bulbs with visible roots and no signs of decay.

If you’re growing in winter, be aware that cooler temperatures and less daylight can also slow growth—patience helps!

Expert Tips to Grow Green Onions from Onions Like a Pro

Even though growing green onions from onions is easy for beginners, there are always ways to make your harvests stronger, healthier, and more consistent.

Here are some expert-approved tips to help you grow like a seasoned gardener—whether you’re working indoors, outdoors, or in containers.

🌱 Rotate New Starts Every Week

To ensure a continuous harvest, don’t just rely on one or two onion bases.

Start a new set of green onions every 7–10 days so that as one batch matures, another is just getting started.

This staggered approach means you’ll always have fresh greens available for cooking.

☀️ Don’t Underestimate Sunlight—Even Indoors

If you’re growing on a kitchen windowsill, make sure it’s south- or west-facing for maximum light.

Green onions love the sun, and the more they get, the thicker and faster they grow.

If natural light is limited, a small grow light can make a huge difference in both speed and quality.

Speaking of grow light, I have one nice recommendation that you don’t want to miss – MARS HYDRO TS 3000 420W LED Grow Light (pictured⬆).

One of the things I love about this grow light is how easy it is to set up. In addition, it comes with a timer thus there is no day you are going to burn your green onions!

🧪 Use a Diluted Liquid Fertilizer for Soil-Based Plants

If you’re growing green onions in soil—whether in pots or raised beds—add a diluted organic liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks.

This keeps the green tops vibrant and flavorful. Just avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause soft growth prone to pests.

✂️ Harvest Strategically for Continued Growth

Don’t cut all the way down to the base when harvesting. Always leave at least 1–2 inches of the green stalk above the root to promote faster regrowth.

If you cut too close to the base, you risk slowing or stopping future shoots.

🧼 Keep Containers and Tools Clean

Whether you’re using water jars, planting trays, or gardening shears, cleanliness matters.

Dirty tools or cloudy water can introduce mold, bacteria, or fungal issues that will quickly ruin your regrowing efforts.

FAQs About How to Grow Green Onions from Onions

As simple as green onions are to grow, questions still come up—especially when you’re starting with different forms like onion sets or sprouted onions. Below are the most common questions gardeners ask when trying to grow green onions from onions.

Q1: Can green onions grow from regular onions?

A: Not exactly. Regular onions (like yellow, red, or white bulb onions) are not the same as green onions. While a sprouted bulb onion may send up green shoots that look like scallions, the flavor, structure, and regrowth potential differ. For best results, start with true green onions (also called scallions) that have their roots intact.

Q2: How do you grow green onions from onion sets?

A: Onion sets are small immature onion bulbs—typically used to grow full-sized bulb onions. However, you can plant onion sets shallowly and harvest the young green tops when they’re about 6–8 inches tall. These green shoots can be used like green onions, though they may be a bit stronger in flavor.

Q3: Is it better to regrow green onions in water or soil?

A: Both methods work well, but it depends on your goal. Regrowing in water is fast and fun—perfect for a windowsill setup and short-term harvesting. Growing in soil, on the other hand, produces hardier green onions with better flavor and longer regrowth cycles. If you want sustainability, soil is the better long-term option.

👉 See our full guide on How to Grow Green Onions Indoors.
👉 Explore the step-by-step guide in our pillar post: How to Grow Green Onions Like a Pro.

Q4: Can you grow green onions from a sprouted onion?

A: Yes, you can! If your sprouted onion has small green shoots, you can plant it in soil and it will begin to grow leafy greens that resemble scallions. Just keep in mind: these shoots may not be identical to true green onions in taste or texture, but they’re definitely usable in the kitchen.

Q5: What happens if I plant an onion that has sprouted?

A: The sprouted onion will send up green stalks, and depending on how mature the bulb is, it may even divide into multiple bulbs underground. If your goal is to harvest greens, simply snip the green shoots as they grow. If left long enough, the plant may even bolt and produce a flower stalk—meaning it’s reached maturity.

Q6: How long does it take for green onions to sprout?

A: If you’re regrowing green onions from the base in water, you can expect new green shoots to appear within 2–4 days. If growing from seed or onion sets in soil, sprouting typically takes 7–14 days, depending on light, temperature, and soil conditions.

Summary: How to Grow Green Onions from Onions

Growing green onions from onions is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, flavorful greens right at home—whether you’re using sprouted onions, onion sets, or healthy onion bulbs.

With the right care, light, and harvesting techniques, you can keep a steady supply of green onions all year round.

Here’s what you’ve learned:

• ✅ How to grow green onions specifically from onion bulbs—not scraps or seeds
• ✅ The step-by-step process for growing green onions in both soil and water
• ✅ Best practices for healthy regrowth and ongoing harvesting
• ⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid such as overwatering, low light, and using unhealthy bulbs
• 🔧 Troubleshooting tips for issues like yellow leaves, slow growth, and bulb rot
• 🧠 Expert tips to maximize your yield and keep your green onions thriving
• ❓ Answers to common questions about sprouted onions, onion sets, and sprouting times

Ready to deepen your green onion gardening skills?

👉 Check out our comprehensive pillar guide: How to Grow Green Onions for even more tips, tricks, and growing methods to keep your garden flourishing!

Got any questions or want to share your growing experience? Drop a comment below or tag us in your green onion garden photos—we’re excited to see your progress! 🌱