Planting
Where to Plant Chives
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 them so that plants are spaced between 4 and 6 inches apart in all directions.
Harvesting
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.
Types
The two species of chives commonly grown in home gardens are common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and garlic chives (A. tuberosum):
- Common chives consist of clumps of small, slender bulbs that produce thin, tubular, blue-green leaves reaching 10-15 inches in height. The edible, flavorful flowers may be white, pink, purple, or red, depending on the variety. They can be grown in Zones 3 to 9.
- Garlic chives (also called Chinese chives) look similar to common chives, but their leaves are flatter, greener, and get to be about 20 inches in height. As their name suggests, their leaves have a mild garlic flavor (bulbs are more intense). Flowers are white and are larger and less densely clustered than those of common chives. Garlic chives are not quite as cold-hardy as common chives, so they are recommended for Zones 4 to 9.
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Comments
It's recommended to plant individual chive plants in a 6- to 8-inch diameter pot, or plant multiple plants about 4 inches apart in a larger pot. Use pots that have holes in the bottom and use light well-draining soil mix. You can also plant the chives outdoors in the garden.
Chive seeds will develop after the flowers are pollinated. The flower head will dry to a pale tan color, and the stem will start to turn brown: At that point, the seeds inside should be ready to harvest. Snip off the dried flower heads (you might place a white plate or bowl underneath to catch any seeds that might fall), place them in a paper bag, and shake (alternatively, you can rub the flower head gently between your fingers over a bowl). The black seeds will release and you can collect them. Be sure to separate them from the chaff (the rest of the flower head pieces). Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place; the seeds may last 1 to 2 years. Chive varieties may cross pollinate, so you might not get exactly the same offspring as the parent plant if other varieties are about.
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Yes, chives are easily grown in pots placed in a sunny location. Use pots with good drainage and fill with a prepared soil mix. Water to maintain uniform soil moisture.