Chives Garden Guide

Chives Care At A Glance

Cool season, a perennial herb in the Allium family for full sun in pots or in-ground.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last average frost date.
Prefers well-drained, organically rich soil with regular moisture.
Harvest as needed or allow plants to form attractive small, round purple flowers.

Use pre-moistened, seed starting mix free from fertilizer in 4 in. peat pots.
Sow 10-15 seeds 1/4 in deep with light cover, in each 4 in. pot.
Provide consistent bottom heat of 70°-75°F, and cover pots with a humidity dome or kitchen plastic wrap.
After emergence, uncover, remove from bottom heat, and place seedlings in bright direct sun or grow lights.
Maintain soil moisture as needed.
Once seedlings mature (4-6 weeks), harden off for 7-10 days before planting out.
Score the bottom of the peat pot, and plant pots as an entire clump with 10-12 in. spacing between each pot.

After the threat of frosts, when soil temperatures have warmed to 70°F.
Sow 1-2 seeds per inch with a light cover of starting mix or peat, keep consistently moist.
Thin seedlings to 2-3 plants every 6-8 inches after emergence.

Round cylindrical leaves like onions.
Leaves and pink-purple blooms are edible, mildly spicy flavor like a weak onion.
Use for soups, dips, potato, fish, and seafood, and pair with breakfast egg dishes.
Note: Heat destroys the delicate flavor of chives, so add at the last minute while cooking.

Plants have narrow flat leaves and white blooms.
Distinctive spicy garlic flavor is prized in Chinese dishes and is said to be indispensable for omelets.
Used in a similar culinary fashion as regular chives.

Easy and reliable perennial for zones 3-9.
Chives are good double-duty plants for edible perennial gardens, borders, or containers.
Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny location with consistent soil moisture.
Harvest leaves or blooms by cutting fresh leaves with scissors as needed.
Mature clumps of chives can be dug and divided in early spring.