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Recently we got questions about whether it is possible to grow onions in water? So, we studied this method and prepared the following guide. This method is so easy and doesn’t require any special equipment. So, let’s get started. Grow onions in water — is it possible? All you need is an onion and a water glass; then you can try this interesting experiment! Let’s discuss it in detail.
How To Grow Onion in Water? Mistakes You Can Fix Today
If you are a gardener, you’ll surely know how to grow onions in water or soil? Onion is one of the easiest vegetables to grow; it can be grown in almost every climate, area, and soil type. You can easily grow them in muddy or sandy soil too. You can even grow them in a water glass. Growing onions in water is already a known practice. It is very common in Asia and North Africa, especially in drylands and deserts. This is because planting it or sowing it in the soil will get them eaten by living animals, either by grazing or digging.
Onions – Dead or Alive
Onion cells remain dead or alive after harvesting. The onion bulb is harvested when most of the cells in the onion bulb have died. The life of a cell can be prolonged with the help of refrigeration. An onion plant can be kept alive for years. The only thing you need is a container with water.
Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in the world. They are used in a wide range of dishes and have numerous health benefits. Onions can also be grown at home in an indoor or outdoor garden. You can grow onions from seedlings or bulbs. The process of growing onion from the bulb is simple and easy to do.
Methods of growing onions
There are two methods to grow onions:
- Seedling
- Regrow from green onion
Steps To Grow Onion in Water – seedling
Onions love to grow in organic soil or water. They are sun and water friendly.
- Choose a container for your onion plant. It should be shallow, about 8 inches deep and 10 inches wide. You can use any clay pot or terracotta pot if it has holes in the bottom for drainage. If you don’t have such a pot at home, you can go to any nursery or hardware store and buy one there. The bigger the container, the better, allowing your onion plant to grow larger and produce more bulbs.
- Now fill the pot with water until it reaches about an inch below its rim. Then make sure that there are no air bubbles trapped inside by gently shaking the container until all bubbles disappear.
- Now place your onion seeds in this container filled with water and place them somewhere where they will get plenty of sunlight but not too much heat (like on top of your refrigerator). Keep them away from direct sunlight because it might kill them before they sprout roots!
- You’ll see small green shoots emerging from the water in just a few days. Once they have sprouted roots, transplant them into individual pots or plug trays (plastic containers that hold several plants) filled with potting soil. Keep them inside until all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures remain above 55 degrees F.
When To Transplant Onion Baby Plants?
Transplanting is best done when the onion tops are about 4 inches tall. Transplanting young onions is best because it prevents root damage if you try to move them after their roots have formed a dense mat around the bulb. In addition, transplanting gives you more control over how closely together each plant will grow (which is important if space is limited).
When To Harvest Onions From Ground?
The harvesting process begins by pulling onions from the ground. You have to remove the dirt and any roots. Next, cut off the tops and place them in bins to dry out for a few days before they are sent to use.
To get rid of any dirt on the onions, wash with water and scrub so they are clean and ready to use.
Steps To Grow Onion in Water – regrow
- Cut the roots off your onion. Cut the onions down the middle (from top to bottom), leaving about 1/2 inch of the root intact at the bottom
- Place your onions in a bowl and add enough water to cover them. Place the onions in your container with a lid or aquarium, making sure there is enough room for them to grow. You may need to change your water every few days or whenever it becomes cloudy from dirt and bacteria growth.
- Add one tablespoon of baking soda per gallon of water.
- Leave the onions in the water for two hours, and then drain them in a colander or strainer.
- Place some paper towels on top of your container (this will help keep moisture in). Ensure they are not touching your onion tops so they don’t rot from bad air circulation.
- Let them dry out for a few minutes before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or pantry.
Precautions While Growing Onions In Water
If you want to grow onions in water, you will need to take some precautions. Onions are a member of the Allium family and are related to garlic, leeks, and chives. These plants naturally produce chemicals called sulfoxides that can be harmful if they come into contact with skin or eyes. The sulfoxides also cause an onion’s pungent odour when it is cut or crushed.
Onions should not be grown in water if you have pets or children who might get into the solution or if you plan on drinking it yourself. You also need to be careful about storing onions that were grown in water because they can still contain trace amounts of sulfoxides that may be harmful if ingested.
If you do decide to grow onions in water, make sure you take these precautions before beginning your project:
1) Make sure the area where you will be growing your onions is well ventilated so that fumes from the solution do not build up and become dangerous for anyone who is nearby.
2) Wear gloves while handling onions so that you do not accidentally touch your eyes while working with them in water solutions.
3) Wear safety goggles while working with onion solutions because some of them contain chemicals that could irritate your eyes.
Final words
Growing onions in water is a fun project that can be done at home. It will take you about a day to grow the onions and about two weeks for them to mature. This article covered all topics relevant to the question, “How to grow onions in water?” If you have any questions about the topic, feel free to ask.