Regrowing scallions is a simple and rewarding form of kitchen scrap gardening that allows you to harvest fresh greens repeatedly from the white, rooted ends you would normally discard. This process is possible because the plant retains the capability for new growth in its base, offering a continuous supply of mild, onion-flavored stalks. By leveraging this natural ability, you can reduce food waste and enjoy a steady, cost-effective source of garnish for cooking.
Preparing the Scallion Bases
Before beginning the regrowth process, select healthy scallion bases that still have small, thread-like roots attached to the bottom. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the green stalks, leaving approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of the white root end intact. This remaining section contains the apical meristem, the specialized tissue responsible for rapid cell division and new shoot development. Once cut, gently rinse the bases under cool running water to remove any loose dirt or debris, which helps prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Regrowing Scallions Using the Water Method
The water method is the quickest and easiest way to initiate new growth and is often used for short-term harvesting. Place the prepared scallion bases upright in a small glass jar, cup, or shot glass, covering only the root system and the very bottom of the white base with tap water. Position the container on a sunny windowsill, as the plants require bright light to fuel new stalk production. Crucially, the water must be changed daily or every other day to replenish oxygen and prevent the water from becoming stagnant, which could lead to rot or a buildup of slime. While this method offers fast regrowth, the new stalks tend to be thinner and less robust because the water lacks the necessary minerals and nutrients for sustained development.
Regrowing Scallions Using the Soil Method
Planting the bases in soil provides a more stable and nutrient-rich environment, supporting continuous, long-term harvesting and thicker stalks. Start with a small pot that has drainage holes at the bottom, using a standard potting mix for adequate aeration and moisture retention. Plant the white scallion bases so the entire root and white section is buried beneath the soil line, leaving the freshly cut edge exposed at the surface. Water the soil thoroughly until it is evenly moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a location that receives consistent, bright light. The soil provides a steady supply of micronutrients, such as nitrogen, leading to a stronger flavor and more vigorous growth cycle than the water method can sustain.
Maintaining Growth and Harvesting
Regardless of the method chosen, consistent light is necessary, with scallions performing best in a location that receives many hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. For bases planted in soil, maintain a regular watering schedule, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist without ever becoming soggy. After the first few harvests, consider applying a highly diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer to the soil to replace nutrients depleted by the rapid regrowth of the leaves. The most effective method for harvesting is the “cut and come again” technique, which encourages the base to regenerate new stalks from its center. Simply use scissors to snip the green growth about one half to one inch above the white base.