Can You Plant a Sprouted Onion?

Have you ever gone to use an onion only to find it has started to sprout? Rather than throwing it away or using it all at once, did you know you can actually plant a sprouted onion to grow new onions? Here's how:

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

First, remove any layers of the onion that are already discolored or mushy. Cut the onion in half, leaving the sprout intact. The sprout should be around 1-2 inches long.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

The soil should be rich and well-draining. Remove any rocks, weeds or other debris from the planting site, and loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches. If your soil is not rich enough, you can add compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil.

Step 3: Plant the Onion

Make a small hole in the soil with your finger, and plant the onion with the sprout facing up. Place the onion about 1-2 inches deep in the soil, and cover the hole with loose soil. Water the soil around the onion lightly.

Step 4: Care for the Plant

The onion will need to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. It will also need to be fertilized once or twice a month with a balanced fertilizer. The onion will grow best with at least 6 hours of sun a day.

Step 5: Harvesting the Onion

The onion will take several months to grow to maturity. You can tell when it is ready to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow and fall over. Gently remove the onion from the soil, taking care not to damage the neighboring plants. Brush off any excess soil, and allow the onion to dry for a few days before storing it.

Planting a sprouted onion is a simple and rewarding task. With proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious onions. Give it a try!