How to Plant Green Onions Indoors

Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are one of the easiest vegetables to grow indoors. Their mild flavor, fast-growing nature, and versatility in the kitchen make them a perfect choice for indoor gardening—even if you don't have much space. Whether you’re looking to regrow store-bought green onions or start from seeds, this complete guide will help you grow a fresh, endless supply of green onions in your kitchen, windowsill, or balcony.

🌿 Benefits of Growing Green Onions Indoors

• Quick and easy: Fast germination and harvest within weeks

• Space-efficient: Grows in small containers or jars

• Cost-effective: Regrow from kitchen scraps

• Low maintenance: Minimal care and pest resistance

• Fresh availability: Year-round harvest of flavorful greens

💚 Choosing Your Planting Method

🍄 Option 1: Regrow from Kitchen Scraps

• Cut green onions leaving 1–2 inches above the white root end

• Place root ends in a glass with water

• Change water every 2 days

• Once green shoots are 3–5 inches tall, transplant to soil

💚 Option 2: Grow from Seeds

• Buy high-quality scallion seeds (heirloom or hybrid)

• Germinate in seed trays or pots

• Seeds take 7–14 days to sprout

• Ready to harvest in 4–6 weeks

🚪 Supplies You’ll Need

Item	Why It’s Needed
Green onion bulbs/seeds	Planting source
Small pots or containers	To house the plants (4–6 inches deep)
Potting mix	Light, well-draining soil mix with organic matter
Grow light (optional)	Supplemental light in low-light areas
Watering can or spray bottle	For consistent watering

🌿 Preparing Soil and Containers

🔧 Soil Requirements

• Loose, well-draining soil rich in organic material

• pH level between 6.0 and 7.0

• Add compost or worm castings for better nutrients

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🏡 Container Selection

• Use shallow pots or containers (4–6 inches deep)

• Ensure containers have drainage holes

• Window boxes or recycled jars can work

🌱 Planting Instructions

From Regrowth:

1. Fill pot with moist potting mix

2. Plant root ends 1 inch deep with greens above the surface

3. Space 1–2 inches apart

4. Water gently

From Seeds:

1. Fill container or seed tray with potting mix

2. Sprinkle seeds evenly and cover with ¼ inch soil

3. Mist gently with water

4. Keep soil moist and warm (70°F ideal)

5. Thin seedlings to 1 inch apart once sprouted

🌞 Light and Temperature Requirements

🌦️ Light:

• 6–8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day

• South or west-facing windows are best

• Use a full-spectrum LED grow light if needed

  
  

🌡 Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65–75°F (18–24°C)

• Avoid drafts and sudden temperature drops

  
  

💧 Watering & Feeding Schedule

🚰 Watering:

• Keep soil moist but not soggy

• Water every 2–3 days or when top inch of soil is dry

• Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk

⚛ Fertilizing:

• Use diluted liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks

• Balanced (10-10-10) or organic compost tea

• Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent bitter taste

  
  

🌾 Indoor Green Onion Care Tips

• Rotate pots weekly to encourage even growth

• Trim leaves if they bend or crowd neighboring plants

• Mulch lightly to retain moisture in pots

• Harvest regularly to encourage continuous growth

  
  

🥦 Harvesting Green Onions

When to Harvest:

• Regrown onions: Ready in 1–2 weeks

• From seed: Ready in 4–6 weeks

How to Harvest:

• Use scissors to snip green leaves 1 inch above the white base

• Leave the root system in place for regrowth

Multiple Harvests:

• Green onions can regrow up to 4–5 times before needing replacement

❌ Common Problems and Solutions

Problem	Cause	Solution
Yellowing tips	Underwatering or salt buildup	Flush soil with water and increase moisture
Wilting plants	Overwatering or poor drainage	Use pots with drainage holes, reduce watering
Slow growth	Insufficient light or nutrients	Add grow light and fertilize lightly
Mold or mildew	High humidity and poor airflow	Improve ventilation and avoid overwatering

📅 Year-Round Care Calendar

Season	Care Tips
Spring	Start new batches from seeds or scraps
Summer	Water more frequently, monitor for heat stress
Fall	Reduce fertilization, move pots closer to windows
Winter	Use grow lights and reduce watering intervals

🚀 Final Thoughts: Plant Green Onions Indoors

Plant green onions indoors as a gateway to successful indoor gardening. With minimal tools and a little effort, you can grow this kitchen staple right on your windowsill. Whether you're regrowing from scraps or starting from seed, following these guidelines ensures that you’ll have a steady supply of fresh green onions for garnishing, salads, stir-fries, and more.