By now, you have a rough idea of how to grow green onion. But imagine snipping fresh green onions from your windowsill anytime you need a quick garnish or a flavor boost.
Whether you’re a gardening newbie or a culinary enthusiast, growing green onions indoors is one of the easiest and most rewarding kitchen garden projects you can start today.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow green onions indoors using store-bought scraps or seeds—no backyard or garden required!
Why Grow Green Onions Indoors?
Green onions (also called scallions or spring onions) are compact, fast-growing, and super versatile. Here’s why indoor gardeners love them:
- Minimal space needed: A sunny windowsill or countertop is enough.
- Quick regrowth: You’ll have fresh greens in just 7–10 days.
- Low maintenance: Ideal for beginners and busy households.
- Cost-saving: Regrow from kitchen scraps—no need to buy repeatedly.
Method 1: Regrow Green Onions from Kitchen Scraps
One of the most popular (and fun) methods!
What You’ll Need:
- A bunch of green onions with white roots intact
- A clear glass or small jar
- Clean water
- Sunny windowsill
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Trim and Save the White Ends: Use the green tops for cooking, leaving 1–2 inches of the white base with roots.
- Place in Water: Fill a glass with enough water to cover the roots but not submerge the whole base.
- Sunlight: Place the glass on a sunny windowsill. South-facing is best.
- Change Water Every 2–3 Days: This prevents rotting and keeps roots healthy.
- Harvest Time: In about 5–7 days, new green shoots will emerge. Snip what you need and let the rest continue growing!
Pro Tip: After a few cycles in water, transfer to the soil for longer growth and better flavor.
You can read the complete step-by-step guide on how to grow green onions from scraps.
Method 2: Grow Green Onions from Seeds
Want a steady supply all year long? Start from seed.
What You’ll Need:
- Green onion seeds
- Small pots or containers with drainage
- Seed-starting mix or light potting soil
- Spray bottle or watering can
- A sunny window or grow light
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Containers: Fill with seed-starting mix and moisten the soil.
- Sow Seeds: Sprinkle seeds thinly over the surface and cover lightly with soil (1/4 inch deep).
- Keep Moist and Warm: Mist daily to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
- Provide Light: Place near a sunny window (6+ hours sunlight) or use grow lights.
- Thin Seedlings: Once they sprout, thin them out so each plant has space to grow.
- Harvest: Cut the green tops when they reach 6–8 inches tall. They’ll regrow multiple times!
Best Conditions for Growing Green Onions Indoors
| Requirement | Ideal Conditions |
| Light | 6–8 hours of bright light daily |
| Temperature | 65–75°F (18–24°C) |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0) |
| Watering | Keep soil moist but not waterlogged |
| Fertilizer (optional) | Use a diluted all-purpose liquid fertilizer once a month |
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Problem: Yellowing leaves
Solution: This could be from overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure growing pots have holes and the soil isn’t soggy.
Problem: Weak or spindly growth
Solution: Not enough light. Move to a sunnier location or add grow lights.
Problem: Mold or fungus
Solution: Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering. Always remove standing water.
How Long Do Green Onions Last Indoors?
When regrown from scraps in water, they last 2–3 cycles before weakening.
For long-term harvesting, transplant to soil. Green onions grown in containers with proper care can provide fresh greens for months.
Fun Ideas: Grow with Kids or Decorate Your Kitchen
- Create a “green onion garden” in mason jars lined up on a kitchen windowsill.
- Paint or label each pot for a fun DIY project.
- Get kids involved—this is a quick and rewarding way to introduce them to gardening.
FAQs on How to Grow Green Onions Indoors
Q: How often can I harvest indoor green onions?
A: You can start harvesting once they’re about 6 inches tall and snip the greens as needed every 1–2 weeks.
Q: Can I regrow the same green onions forever?
A: No, after 2–3 regrowths, roots may weaken. For long-term supply, plant new roots in the soil or start from seed.
Q: Do green onions need fertilizer indoors?
A: If grown in soil, use a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly. Not necessary for those grown short-term in water.
Summary
Learning how to grow green onions indoors is a simple, cost-effective way to keep your kitchen stocked with fresh flavor all year long.
Whether you regrow from kitchen scraps or plant seeds in containers, green onions thrive with minimal space, light, and care.
From water jars on windowsills to pots filled with soil, this indoor gardening project is perfect for beginners and seasoned growers alike.
What We Learned:
✅ You can regrow green onions from store-bought scraps using just water and sunlight.
✅ Growing green onions from seeds ensures a long-term indoor harvest.
✅ Green onions need 6–8 hours of sunlight daily or a grow light substitute.
✅ Regular watering and well-drained soil help prevent mold and yellowing.
✅ After a few water regrowth cycles, it’s best to transplant to the soil for stronger plants.
✅ Indoor green onions are low-maintenance, making them ideal for small spaces and kids’ gardening projects.
✅ With proper care, green onions can regrow multiple times—keeping your meals fresh and flavorful!