How to regrow scallions from scraps/cuttings?


Regrow Series

How to regrow scallions from scraps/cuttings?

Is it better to regrow in water or soil?

scallions
veggroom knowledge

Why regrow scallions?

Scallions are common ingredients in Chinese cuisines. It is very convenient to have endless supply of fresh green onions grown from home. There are a lots of ways to regrow green onions. Which is the best way?

Regrow preparation

Cut scallions at least 5 cm abov the roor

No matter you are growing scallions with soil, water or other medium, the preparation steps are the same!

Step 1: Pick scallions with larger stems.

Step 2: Cut the scallions with scissors at least 5 cm above the root system.

A. Regrow with soil

Regrow scallions with soil

Step 1: Prepare a pot of organic soil.

Step 2: Bury the scallions about 3 cm or 1 inch deep and give them 5 cm or 2 inchs of spacing between plants.

Step 3: Make sure the scallions get 6 – 7 hours of sunlight per day!

Pros of regrowing with soil:

  • Soil is packed with nutrients. scallions will grow with a faster rate than growing with just water as plants need nutrients to thrive! Also, if sufficient nutrients are given to the plants, they are likely to grow bigger and taste better!
  • You maybe able to regrow scallions 3 to 4 times using soil.

Cons of regrowing with soil:

  • Handling soil can be messy, and more likely to attract more bugs.
  • Need to water the soil frequently.

B. Regrow with just water

Regrow scallions with just water

Step 1: Prepare a small cup/a small jar of tap water.

Step 2: Submerge the scallions into the water and new leaves will start to grow!

Step 3: Make sure the scallions get 6 – 7 hours of sunlight per day!

Pros of regrowing with just water:

  • Simple and Easy!

Cons of regrowing with just water:

  • There are no nutrients in water itself. It will grow slower comparing to growing with nutrients provided.
  • You may expect smaller and less healthier scallions if you are trying to regrow them twice/ third times.

C. Regrow with water + hydroponics nutrients

pouring water into glass bottle tio the bottom of the net cup
Fill the jar with tap water. Make sure the water level is 2-3cm higher than the bottom of the net cup.
Add a few drops of hydroponics nutrients to the water. (Both nutrient solution A & B 1:1)
The EC level should be around 1.8.
Cover the the jar with non-transparent materials.

Step 1: Prepare a Mason jar and a net cup. Fill the jar with tap water. Make sure the water level is 1-2cm higher than the bottom of the net cup.

Step 2: Place the scallions into a net cup. You may hold the scallions straight by placing clay pebbles or sponge inside the net cup. Make sure the roots of the scallions are submerged into the water for a few days to let the roots to develop.

Step 3: After a few days when the roots are more developed, add some water to the jar if most of the roots are not submerged into the water. Add a little hydroponics nutrients and mix the solution well. Measure the water with EC meter. The EC level should be around 1.8.

Step 4: Cover the the jar with non-transparent materials.

Step 5: Make sure the scallions get 6 – 7 hours of sunlight per day!

Pros of regrowing with nutrient solution:

  • The perfect amount of nutrients are given to the plant. Growing hydroponically is likely to give the best result!

How long does it take for scallions to regrow?

They should regrow their stalks in about a week!

Ideal environment for growing scallions in soil in non-controlled environment

Light: Full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.


Well-drained soil


pH: Acidic to neutral


Humidity: They do not mind growing in humid conditions!


Ideal environment for growing scallions hydroponically in controlled environment

Light: Medium to High, 12-14 hours of light


EC: 1.8-2


pH: 6-6.5


Preferred Methods: Kratky, Deep water culture, Ebb and flow & floating raft


Ideal Temperature: 20-25 °C

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