Growing Green Onion Sprouts

In the world of gardening, one onion can lead to many. If an onion is left in the ground after the first growing season, it would naturally divide into multiple onions, each with the potential to grow into a full-sized bulb. This simple act of allowing the onion to divide can result in a larger harvest, providing a threefold reward by the end of the season.

When it comes to separating these individual onions from a sprouted onion, each one has the chance to grow into a full-sized bulb. Gardeners often opt to harvest onions from started onion plants earlier than when harvesting from seeds. This method, known as "setting," involves planting small onion plant starts, or onion sets, which have been harvested and cured to suspend their growth until they're replanted.

However, it's important to note that onions need ample water in well-drained soil and can't handle weedy competition. Cold spring weather may be a shock for sprouted onions that have been indoors, so they may need to be gradually introduced to the outdoors to harden them off.

Once planted, onions can handle a light frost and are usually planted outdoors from seed about a month before the last spring frost. Sprouted onions that are planted will be deformed if left to grow on their own due to competition for space. Regular weeding and watering are essential to ensure healthy growth.

The time to harvest new, full-sized onions from planted sprouted onions is about 65 to 80 days after planting, depending on the onion variety and initial bulb size. Each sprouted onion may have multiple individual onion divisions, leading to a larger harvest compared to what was planted.

In conclusion, growing more onions from a single sprout is an effective and efficient way to increase your harvest. By understanding the needs of onions and providing them with the right care, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of fresh onions in your garden. And remember, a sprouted onion is still safe to eat, as long as it is not spoiling or molding. So, don't throw away those sprouted onions just yet - they could be your next batch of home-grown onions!