Ready to continue scratching that winter gardening itch? Welcome to the second part in our series of doing just that! Here in chapter two, we’ll continue with indoor plant propagation, in preparation for Spring.
REGROWING SPRING ONIONS
After propagating African violets in part one, we move forward toward spring by starting our fresh, kitchen herb collection, for the year. I usually start with spring onions. As these are the easiest and quickest to start.
We use spring onions in recipes quite a bit and we try to pick some up from our local farmer’s market, whenever available. In the winter months though, we try to maintain our own supply. Here’s how you can do it, too!
HOW to REGROW SPRING ONIONS
Cut the root tips off, 1/2″ above the white root area. Then, allow the cut roots to dry out for a day.
You can grow these in soil or just plain water. I’ll be giving instructions for both, below.
BEST SOIL to USE WHEN PROPAGATING SPRING ONIONS
A basic potting soil, with added compost, perlite and a tiny bit of fertilizer, works best in these terra cotta pots. Soak the soil well and let it drain completely before adding the root stubs.
USING UPCYCLED ITEMS TO PROPAGATE SPRING ONIONS
Using upcycled popsicle sticks is a great way to reuse practical items. Instead of them ending up in the landfill.
Use one of these, or any other upcycled item you may have, to make as many 1/4″ holes in the saturated soil as will comfortably fit.
HOW to PLANT SPRING ONION ROOTS IN POTS
Place one root stub in each hole. Then, lightly press the surrounding soil down around the root stub. Doing this ensures there are no air pockets in which harmful bacteria could grow. While also allowing for healthy air flow to the roots.
HOW MUCH to WATER PROPAGATED SPRING ONIONS
Once all are snuggly tucked in, Give them a bit more water to encourage the roots to reach out for it and establish themselves in the pot.
Check the soil every few days. If its 80-90% dry, using the finger test, water it again until the water starts to drain from the bottom of the pot.
HOW MUCH LIGHT DO PROPAGATED SPRING ONIONS NEED
Place your pots in a sunny window. Then, sit back and watch free spring onions appear like magic.
WILL PROPAGATED SPRING ONIONS FLOWER?
If conditions are right and they received a tiny bit of fertilizer, they may even flower for you!
I place the pot(s) in a sunny, kitchen window and within a week or two, we have enough growth to start cooking with! (By-the-by, I follow this same process with leaks, with just one root stub per pot, and it works great.)
Now you’re getting the hang of it! I hope you give this easy propagation technique a try and in no time at all, you’ll have a very inexpensive yet highly rewarding kitchen herb supply of your own! Visit Starting Seeds Indoors in Early Spring where I’ll be planting the first veggie crop seeds of this year’s growing season.
