Growing onions in water is a great way to make the most of kitchen scraps. In addition, you can involve the children to do this so that they will also learn about vegetables. With this method, you can clearly observe the progress at any time. You can watch the roots grow in the water and watch the shoots appear on the tops of the onion bulbs. The things you need are very simple, you only need a few bulbs of onions, a clear glass container, and water. While onions can grow this way on a windowsill for a few weeks, it's a good idea to transplant the bulbs into the ground so they can mature.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Growing Onion Bulbs in Water
Step 1. Put water in a glass or glass jar
Pour tap water or filtered water into a clear glass container until it is almost full.
Make sure the hole in the top of the glass or jar is smaller than the size of the onion so the bulbs don't fall to the bottom of the container
Step 2. Thread 4 toothpicks (evenly spaced) around the bulb
Make sure the onions are well supported so they don't fall into the glass. Make sure the toothpick is inserted slightly below the centerline of the tuber.
- You should plant bulbs that have sprouted. Sprouted onions are easier to grow in water.
- If you don't want to use a toothpick, fill a clear glass container with small stones or pebbles until it reaches the top of the container. Next, place the onions on small rocks, then add water to cover the roots and base of the onion bulbs.
Step 3. Place the onion on top of the glass (with the roots down) and the toothpick on the edge
The roots and base of the onion bulbs should be submerged in water. This way, the roots can drink water to grow the onions, while the rest are just surrounded by air so they don't rot.
Double-check that the toothpick is holding the onion well to prevent it from falling into the water. At this point, you may need to dig deeper into the toothpick to prevent the onions from getting wet
Step 4. Place the container of onions on a windowsill that gets lots of sun
Onions need a lot of sun to grow. So that the presence of onion bulbs is not forgotten, use a bright, frequented window sill. Now, all you have to do is wait and watch the onions grow. Within a week, the roots will emerge into the water, and the tops will sprout.
Change the water regularly before the conditions are cloudy and smelly so the tubers don't rot. You can do this by gently lifting the bulbs, changing the water, and placing the bulbs back in the bowl
Step 5. Prune the green shoots that grow at the top of the tubers to serve as food decorations
In a few days, on the top of the onion bulbs will appear beautiful leaf buds. All parts of the shoot are edible, with a sharp and delicious aroma of the leaves. Use scissors to cut the leaf buds from the top of the onion, and slice it thinly. Add sliced scallions to salads or soups for a delicious garnish.
Step 6. Plant the onions in the ground when flower stalks appear on top
Growing onions in water is fun because you can observe the early growth of these vegetables. However, onions will not be able to continue growing this way. A few weeks later, the onions will sprout flower stalks. At this point, you can plant the entire onion in the ground, or throw it away. Once they start to flower, the onions will no longer be able to grow in the water and will have to be moved to the ground.
Method 2 of 2: Growing Spring Onions in Water
Step 1. Cut the scallions at the intersection of the green and white
Maybe you already have a pile of leftover scallions ready to throw away. If so, that's a good thing, because you can use it. Otherwise, get a bunch of fresh spring onions (also known as scallions), then chop them carefully with scissors or a knife.
- At this point, you should have a small white bulb about the size of an adult pinky. It doesn't matter if there are still a few green stalks left.
- Use the part of the leek that is not planted to serve as a food garnish. Scallions make a delicious garnish on a variety of dishes such as tacos or ramen noodles. Thinly slice the scallions, then sprinkle them over the food to add flavor and color.
Step 2. Place the remaining onion roots in a clear glass
Use a narrow jar or glass so that the scallion pieces are propped up against the glass wall and stand upright. You have to let it grow on the windowsill for a while. So, you should use decorative glass or vases that look beautiful when placed in the kitchen.
- To stand up straight, use a rubber band to tie the pile of onion roots together.
- One of the most enjoyable things about growing kitchen scraps is watching them grow. So, use a clear container so you can enjoy the growth of the plant.
Step 3. Add just enough water to cover the roots of the leeks
The root of the onion should be completely submerged in the water, but you can also pour the water a little higher so that it doesn't run out before you have time to refill it.
You can use tap water or filtered water to grow leeks, as long as the water is fresh and clean
Step 4. Place the container of leek roots on a window sill that gets some sunlight
Now, all leeks need to grow is time and sunlight.
So that the roots of the leek get enough sunlight and don't forget them, place the container on the kitchen window sill (or a location that is often passed)
Step 5. Change the water every 3-5 days
Onions will suck up the given water so you should check them regularly so they don't dry out. A few days later, the remaining water may turn cloudy or emit an unpleasant odor. If this happens, drain the water and replace it with clean water.
Step 6. Remove the scallions when they have tripled in size
A few days later, the white onion bulbs will develop green stems. When the green stems are about 20 cm long, remove the leeks from the water.
Step 7. Cut the green stems from the stalks or plant the entire onion bulb in the ground
Leeks can only grow taller. When the green stems are 20 cm or more in length, you can trim the stems and use them in cooking. You can also plant them all in the ground (roots, white bulbs, and green stems) and let them grow.
If you cut the green part of the leaf from the stem at this point, you can place the tuber back in clean water and let it grow back. Although this can be done 1 or 2 times, the plant will still stop growing later
Tips
- Choose fresh onions and don't use onions that are moldy and starting to rot. Since you will be submerging them in water, mold or rot will spread throughout the bulb.
- Frequently cut the long leeks to encourage new shoots to grow.
