Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Chive Plants
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Chives grow best in full sun, though they will tolerate light shade. Ideally, the soil should be moist, fertile, and well-draining. Before planting, incorporate 4 to 6 inches of well-composted organic matter. Work compost into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. (Read more about soil amendments and preparing the soil for planting.)
When to Plant Chives
- Chives are considered a cool-season crop, meaning they grow best in the spring and fall. The harsher temperatures of summer usually cause them to go dormant until cool weather arrives again.
- For a head start in colder regions, start chive seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. (See local frost dates.) Transplants need good growth before being set in the garden.
- Outdoors, sow seeds as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. They can take a few weeks to germinate, so don’t panic! For the best germination and growth, the temperature of the soil should be between 60º and 70ºF (15º and 21ºC).
- Plant transplants outdoors once the threat of frost has passed.
How to Plant Chives
- Sow seeds about 2 inches apart and no more than ¼ inch deep. Cover with a thin layer of soil.
- Once seedlings emerge, thin so that plants are spaced between 4 to 6 inches apart in all directions.
How to Harvest Chives
- Begin harvesting chive leaves about 30 days after you transplant or 60 days after seeding.
- Be sure to cut the leaves down to the base when harvesting (within 1 to 2 inches of the soil).
- Harvest 3 to 4 times during the first year. In subsequent years, cut plants back monthly.
- The chive plant will flower in late spring or early summer. The flowers are edible and taste best just after they have opened—they should look full and bright.
How to Store Chives
- Use chives when they’re fresh or frozen (freeze the leaves in an airtight bag). Dried chives lose their flavor.
- Store chives in a cool place in a resealable container.
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Can I plant chives in a container and bring inside in the fall?
You absolutely can! This is a great way to have fresh herbs through the winter months.
I'm new to vegetable gardening and I didn't know there was so much to learn but good because I won't be bored. I've been trying for weeks to find the best time to sow garlic chives in lower Michigan zone 6. I'm going to start keeping track of the dates I do things and such so I'll find it easier next year.
Hi Cheryl, Wherever you live, you can start garlic chive seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. See the Almanac Frost Chart on this site as we list average frost dates by zip code.
How do I harvest the chive seeds? I have flowers but don't see any seeds and my flowers are about two weeks old.
I thought the same thing (that there were no seeds). Go over a paper or something and pick the dried flowers apart. The seeds look like very thin slivers and are tiny.
As long as the flowers have been pollinated, they will develop seeds. Wait for the flowers to dry out on the plant; at this point they are ready to be harvested for seeds. The seeds are small and black.
At the beginning of the article, it says chives are a companion plant to peas. But under “wit and wisdom” near the end, it says don’t plant near peas. Does anyone know which one is correct?
Chives are a good companion for peas, carrots, beets, and others! They can help with deterring aphids.
I like to make chive blossom butter. I wanted to ask if anyone knows if the blossoms from "One Mix" ornamental chives are safe to eat like regular chive blossoms?
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