Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Common Chive is a versatile perennial herb that produces slender, grass-like leaves and lovely globe-shaped lavender flowers in the spring and summer. Thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, this easy-to-grow plant is perfect for herb gardens, borders, and containers. Both the mild, onion-flavored leaves and the delicate blossoms are edible, with the flowers adding a pop of color to salads or garnishes. Chive flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a functional and attractive choice for any garden.
NAME: Chive (Allium schoenoprasum)
VARIETY: Common
DAYS TO MATURITY: 60 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 9
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Average, well-draining soil with a pH 6.0 – 7.0
PLANT HEIGHT: 10 – 16 inches
SPACING: 5 – 9 inches apart
TEMP: 45 – 95ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays or small pots filled with a well-draining mix.
Keep the soil temperature between 60-70°F. Germination typically takes 7-14 days but can sometimes take up to 21 days
Thin seedlings to one per cell once they reach a few inches in height, and gradually expose them to outdoor conditions for about a week before transplanting.
Chive seeds grow well when directly sown outdoors.
Direct sow seeds in the garden after the last frost once the soil has warmed.
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, covering them lightly with soil.
Water gently to keep the soil consistently moist. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days.
Once seedlings are established, thin plants to 5-9inches apart.
Light: Chives thrive in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Water: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilization: Chives don’t need frequent fertilization, but you can add a light compost or balanced fertilizer in spring.
Pruning: Remove flower stalks to prevent self-seeding and encourage foliage growth. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to keep plants healthy and vigorous.
Harvesting Fresh Chives: Once the chives reach about 6 inches in height, harvest them by cutting the outer shoots near the base with sharp scissors. Leave some inner shoots to continue growing for future harvests.
Flower Harvesting: The flowers are edible and have a mild onion-garlic flavor. Harvest when fully open by cutting the flower stalks near the base.
Common Chives are a versatile addition to any garden, useful in both culinary applications and as an ornamental plant. They attract pollinators, repel pests, and are a valuable companion plant in the vegetable garden.
