Q&A for How to Grow Green Onions

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What would be the reason they lose their flavor over time? Are there nutrients you can put into water to help?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

If you are asking about growing onions in a jar, that's because the onion is using the energy stored in the bulb to grow new shoots. Once these are depleted, it will stop growing. To keep it going, add some gravel to the bottom of the jar followed by soil.

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Question

What should I do when a leaf starts to form like it's going to flower?

Community Answer

You should do nothing! When left to grow for some time, green onions can get pretty tall and will sprout an edible flower on the top. The flower tastes like a sweeter version of the green onion due to the nectar. You can use it as a fancy looking garnish on top of salads and many more dishes.

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Question

Will an onion grow faster planted in dirt or planted in water?

Community Answer

It will grow faster in water, but planting it in dirt gives you more nutrients.

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Question

When are green onions ready to eat?

Community Answer

When the second or third "leaf" appears, cut the old one on the outside. You can tell it's too old if the leaf has a dark green color, is stringy, or tastes bitter when you eat it. If you want to use the whole plant, cut at the base when there are at least 2 or 3 "leaves."

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Question

What size does the pot need to be?

Community Answer

It really depends on the amount of green onions you're attempting to grow. A half-inch radius around each green onion plant is usually the point of diminishing returns though.

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Question

Do green onions need fertilizer? If yes, when is a good time to apply fertilizer?

Community Answer

For beginning gardeners I would recommend using the glass jar method - you do not need to fertilize at all with this and it is very simple.

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Question

When I harvest the green onion and chop off the root part, can I save the bulb and plant it later?

Community Answer

Yes, you chop off the green part and save the bulb. When put into water, this bulb should begin to form roots and soak up the surrounding water. At this point, it should regrow the green portion chopped off earlier.

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Question

What does it mean when the green tops begin to yellow?

Community Answer

Just like people, plants are known to feel under the weather now and then. One of the more common signs of ailment is yellowing leaves. When you see leaves turning yellow, it’s time to put your Sherlock hat on and do some sleuthing to find the possible cause and solution. Among the reasons why plant leaves yellow are environmental conditions, cultural reasons, pests/disease, and even the medium in which the plant grows.

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Question

Can I harvest green onion crops during a rainy season?

Community Answer

Yes, you can, as long they are 6-8 inches tall and a dark green color.

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Question

After I harvest the green onion and chop off the root, can I save the bulb and plant it later?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

What do I do if a white cloudy solution forms if the water is not changed when I grow green onions in a glass jar?

Community Answer

Change out their water once every few days. Don't let them sit in cloudy water.

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Question

How do I get the long white part of the onion when growing green onions?

Community Answer

Plant them in a shallow trench. As they grow, slowly fill the trench as they get larger, and continue to mound soil around them. The white stems will get larger the longer you mound the soil around them.

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