How to Grow Onions From Onions: A Simple Gardener's Guide

Why Growing Onions from Onions Makes Good Sense

A few springs ago, while sorting through my pantry, I noticed an onion sprouting rebelliously in the darkness. Curious, I decided to plant it instead of tossing it out.

Turns out, this scrappy bulb grew into a bounty of fresh, delicious onions. Ever since, growing onions from onions became my favorite gardening shortcut.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Here's what I usually gather before getting my hands dirty:

• A healthy, sprouted onion (white, yellow, or red works fine)
• A container with drainage holes or sunny garden bed
• Quality garden soil, moderately fertile and well-draining
• Watering can

Step-by-Step Method for Growing Onions From Onions

Step 1: Selecting the Right Onion

Find an onion with green shoots poking from the bulb. Healthy sprouts mean energy reserves are ample.

Steer clear of moldy or mushy areas.

Step 2: Preparing and Planting Your Onion

Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the outermost layers without damaging the sprouts inside. Keep about one inch (2.5 cm) of onion flesh attached to the roots.

Place this onion piece roots-down in loose, fertile soil, ensuring sprouts remain above ground level. Give it a firm but gentle pat to steady it.

Step 3: Water, Sunlight, and Patient Care

Water generously after planting, aiming for moist but never soggy soil. I'd say onions hate wet feet more than anything.

Position your onion in a sunny spot, ideally getting six to eight hours of direct sun daily. Indoors, a bright window will suffice if outdoor space lacks sunlight.

Step 4: Ongoing Maintenance and Growth

Water regularly, about once a week, more frequently in hot weather. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

If plants appear yellowish or slow-growing, an occasional dilute dose of balanced organic fertilizer will invigorate them.

Onions sprouted from existing bulbs often mature faster, typically ready to harvest within about 90 to 120 days.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Fresh Onions

Once onion tops start turning yellow and falling over, it's time to harvest. Gently loosen the soil around bulbs and lift them carefully to avoid bruising.

Allow harvested onions to air cure in a warm, shaded spot for a week or two. Proper curing dramatically extends onion storage life, sometimes up to several months.

From soups to salads, sauces to stir-fries, freshly grown onions will reward your taste buds immensely.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Avoid planting onions too deeply; this can stunt growth significantly. Half-exposed onions grow healthiest and largest.

Excess water leads to rotted bulbs. Maintain consistent moisture without drowning your plants.

Pests and diseases occasionally visit, but good spacing and airflow minimize problems. Catch issues early and address them organically if possible.

From personal experience, growing onions from sprouted onions offers a nearly effortless, endlessly rewarding gardening experience. Give it a shot, and you might never buy onion sets again.

Growing onions directly from onions—you can't get simpler or more satisfying than that. There's something honest and rewarding about seeing new life sprout from a humble bulb. Remember, keep your soil loose and rich, choose healthy onions with vigorous sprouts, and give them space. With patience, sunlight, and steady watering, you'll master how to grow onions from onions and enjoy a harvest filled with unmistakable flavor.