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How to Grow Green Onions in Soil from Cuttings: A Simple Guide for Kitchen Gardeners

Have you ever bought a bunch of green onions from the grocery store, used the green tops, and felt bad about tossing the rest? What if I told you those leftover kitchen scraps are the key to growing your own green onions—fresh, flavorful, and essentially free? Here is a simple guide for kitchen gardeners, how to grow green onions in soil from cuttings! Growing green onions from cuttings is not only easy, but also satisfying (and sustainable!). Whether you’re a first-time gardener (like me!!!) or someone with a green thumb (you probably already know this then), you can turn a small bunch of scallions into a thriving crop of fresh green onions.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow healthy green onion plants in soil. Trust me, by the end of this guide, you’ll never look at those white bulbs the same way again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to also check out this post to learn all about growing green onions from scraps without soil or a garden!

Green onions (Allium fistulosum) or bunching onions, are a kitchen staple that adds a mild onion flavor to everything from salads to soups. Some call them spring onions, but those are actually different!

We love green onions in our household. But, buying fresh green onions every week? That can add up, or simply just be annoying. I personally don’t like running to the store all the time, and am super thankful for my husband who makes last minute runs for me. :) That is why I was so intent to learn how to grow green onions in soil (and other veggies and fruits) from cuttings.

Growing green onion cuttings in soil gives you:

• A long-term supply: With the right care, you can enjoy continuous harvests.
• Less waste: Turn kitchen scraps (like the white part) into new plants.
• Low effort, big rewards: Green onions are incredibly easy to grow, even for those of us busy Mommas and Mimis.

Plus, nothing beats the feeling of snipping your own green leaves for dinner! It’s something that is just so satisfying and if I might add, addicting!

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• A bunch of green onions with intact white roots (from the grocery store or farmers’ market). Organic preferred.
• A pot, garden bed, and a sunny spot outdoors.
• Well-draining soil, preferably organic sandy soil mixed with organic matter for good drainage (mulch, compost, crop residues).
• A sunny windowsill or garden area that gets 6–8 hours of direct sunlight.
• Fresh water and optional organic fertilizer like fish emulsion or compost.

1. Prepare the Cuttings

When you buy a bunch of scallions (again, organic preferred!), use the green tops for cooking, but save the white stalks and root ends. Cut the green onion bulb (the white part) about 1–2 inches above the roots.

Tip: The white roots are the heart of this project. If they’re intact, your green onion cuttings will grow nice and quickly.

2. Jumpstart Growth in Water (Optional)

Although you can plant your cuttings directly in soil, starting them in water helps encourage new growth. Read my post on this easy process here.

• Place the cut ends in a small glass or jar of water (something called propagation), with just the roots submerged.
• Set the glass on a bright window or sunny windowsill for maximum light.
• Replace the water when it gets cloudy to keep those cute tiny roots healthy. Why yes, I did just call the tiny roots cute!

In just a matter of days, you’ll see green shoots and new leaves sprouting. Yay!! You are on your way to a garden bed of green onions!

3. Choose the Right Spot

Green onions love full sun. Whether you’re planting in a garden bed, a pot, or directly in your backyard, choose a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

If you’re short on outdoor space, don’t worry—green onions grow just as well indoors near a south-facing window or under grow lights. I’ve done it!

4. Prep the Soil

For optimal growth, green onions need:

• Well-draining soil: Avoid soggy soil, which can cause issues like onion maggots or root rot.
• Organic matter: Mix compost or fish fertilizer into the soil for extra nutrients.
• Shallow planting: Since green onions have shallow root systems, they don’t need much space.

5. Plant the Cuttings

Here’s where the magic happens:

1. Dig a small hole in the soil, just deep enough to bury the white stalk.
2. Place the cutting so the green shoots are above the soil line.
3. Space the plants about 2 inches apart.
4. Lightly pack the soil around the roots.

6. Water Regularly

Green onions love consistency, especially when it comes to watering. Keep the soil moist, but don’t overdo it. Aim for about an inch of water per week, depending on your growing conditions.

Tip: If you’re unsure about soil moisture, stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry an inch below the surface, it’s time to water.

7. Feed for Growth

Want lush, healthy green onions with vibrant green tops? Use an organic fertilizer like fish emulsion every few weeks. It’s an easy way to support new plants and enhance their mild onion flavor.

Growing green onions from cuttings offers a huge benefit: continuous harvests.

• To keep your green onion plants producing, snip off the green parts about an inch above the soil line. The new shoots will regrow quickly.
• If you’re ready for a full harvest, pull up the whole plant, roots and all. This is great for varieties like the Egyptian walking onion.

With good care, you’ll have fresh green onions for weeks—or even months. If you live in a mild climate, you can even harvest fresh organic onions throughout the year!

1. Experiment with Green Onion Seeds

Want to start from scratch? Try planting green onion seeds in early spring when soil temperatures are warm enough. Though it takes longer than cuttings, it’s a fun way to grow new green onions. I find that you have a little kids, this gets them excited to learn about gardening, see growth, and start with a green thumb young in life!

2. Use Kitchen Scraps Creatively

Add leftover onion sprout pieces, celery bases, or even carrot tops to your compost bin for richer soil.

3. Avoid Common Problems

Watch out for pests like onion maggots and onion nematodes. Keep the soil well-drained to avoid rot, and avoid cloudy water buildup around the plants.

Green onions are hardy, fast-growing, and don’t require much space or effort. Their shallow roots and quick-growing green shoots make them ideal for kitchen gardeners. Whether you’re regrowing from a bunch of scallions or sowing seeds, green onions are one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Also, remember that green onions aren’t the only vegetable you can regrow! More posts on this coming soon!

The next time you buy a bunch of green onions, think twice before tossing the leftovers. With just a little care—fresh water, plenty of sunlight, and a sunny windowsill—you can turn those scraps into a thriving green onion garden. I highly recommend this if you’ve never gardened before. It is a quick and easy satisfying way to begin your quest for a green thumb!

Whether you’re planting indoors, outdoors, or even experimenting with different green onion varieties, growing your own green onions from cuttings is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy fresh, organic produce. So be sure to buy all organic!

Grab those white bulbs, find a sunny spot, and start planting—you’ll have a harvest in no time!