Can You Plant an Onion That's Sprouting?

If you've ever kept a bag of onions in your pantry for too long, you may have noticed some of them sprouting. While you might think that a sprouting onion is no longer useful, you might be surprised to learn that it actually can be planted and grown into a new onion plant. Here's everything you need to know about planting a sprouting onion.

How to Plant a Sprouting Onion

Planting a sprouting onion is actually quite simple. First, select an onion that has sprouted at least one inch out of the top. Be sure to avoid any onions that have mold or rot on them.

Next, prepare a pot or garden bed with well-draining soil. Place the onion in the soil with the sprouted end facing up and cover it with about one inch of soil. Water the soil lightly so it is moist but not saturated.

As the onion grows, be sure to water it regularly and weed around the plant as needed. Depending on the variety of onion, it can take anywhere from 90-150 days for the onion to reach maturity.

Benefits of Planting a Sprouting Onion

Planting a sprouting onion not only gives you the satisfaction of growing your own food, but it also has several other benefits. For starters, you'll have fresh onions on hand whenever you need them without having to run to the grocery store. Additionally, growing your own onions means that you know exactly where they came from and how they were grown.

Planting a sprouting onion is also a great way to reduce food waste. Rather than throwing away onions that have started to sprout, you can use them to grow new ones. This helps you save money on groceries and reduces the amount of food that ends up in landfills.

Conclusion

Planting a sprouting onion is a fun and easy way to grow your own food and reduce food waste. With a little bit of soil and water, you can turn a sprouting onion into a thriving onion plant with a bountiful harvest. So the next time you come across a sprouting onion, don't throw it away. Plant it and watch it grow!