Chives are a hardy herb that’s simple to grow, making them perfect for year-round harvesting.
With the scientific name Allium schoenoprasum, chives are not only easy to nurture but also add a delightful onion-like flavor to a variety of dishes while brightening up any garden.
Their lush green leaves and charming purple flowers are both edible, offering visual and culinary appeal.
Whether you choose to grow them outdoors to naturally repel pests or keep them on a sunny windowsill indoors, chives require minimal intervention to flourish.
To ensure you enjoy a steady supply of this versatile herb, here’s a comprehensive guide to growing chives successfully.
WHEN TO PLANT CHIVES
Chives flourish in cool temperatures, making spring and fall the ideal times for planting.
Experts recommend starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
Once the seeds germinate, you can transplant them into larger pots for indoor growing or move them outside once the frost threat has passed.
PLANTING CHIVES OUTDOORS
You can grow chives from seeds or by dividing established clumps, but don’t forget: it’s crucial to wait until the last frost before you start planting outdoors.
- Choose a sunny location where your chives can bask in six to eight hours of sunlight daily.
Ensure the soil drains well, ideally maintaining a pH between six and seven.
- For seeds: Prepare your garden bed by mixing in organic matter, then scatter the seeds roughly an inch apart and cover them lightly with about a quarter inch of soil.
- For clumps: Remove excess soil from the bulbs, ensuring the pointed ends face upwards.
Space the clumps about six inches apart, then cover them with soil followed by a layer of mulch.
- Water the newly planted seeds or clumps as needed, but be careful to avoid overwatering.
INDOOR CHIVE CULTIVATION
Chives are excellent candidates for pot culture, making them a fantastic choice for indoor herb gardening.
Here’s how to grow them in containers:
- Begin by sanitizing your containers.
Clean them with soap and water, then soak them in a bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) for about 10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
- Select a bright spot for your pots that gets six to eight hours of sunlight each day.
- Use a 6-inch deep pot with drainage holes and fill it with a suitable potting mix.
- For seeds: Plant the seeds directly in the potting mix, spacing them one inch apart, then cover lightly with a quarter inch of soil.
- For clumps: Clear off the excess dirt from the bulbs and plant each clump with the pointed end facing up, spacing them six inches apart before covering with soil.
- Water the seeds or clumps appropriately, ensuring not to overdo it.
Chives require little maintenance, whether you’re growing them indoors or outdoors, and share similar care requirements:
- Light: To grow well, chives need full sun; aim for six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Soil: They tolerate various soil types as long as it drains effectively and maintains a pH of around six to seven.
- Water: Since chives are good at retaining moisture, check the soil regularly and water only when the top inch feels dry.
- Temperature: These hardy plants thrive in USDA zones 3 to 9, finding comfort in cooler climates and going dormant during hotter weather.
- Fertilization: If your soil is rich in organic content, additional fertilization isn’t usually necessary.
A yearly application of Bulb-tone fertilizer can be beneficial if nutrients are lacking.
You can start harvesting chives as soon as their leaves grow long enough.
Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut the leaves about two inches above the base.
Regular harvesting promotes further growth, keeping your chive supply healthy and vibrant.
DIVIDING CHIVES
As your chive plants age, they may become overcrowded, necessitating division every two to three years.
Spring is the best time for this task.
Gently lift the clumps from the soil, separate them into smaller portions, and replant, ensuring the pointed ends face up and maintaining six-inch spacing.
Although chives are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, issues can still arise:
- Allium Leafminer: Look for signs of distorted leaves, and protect your established clumps with fabric covers if necessary.
- Damping Off: This disease can cause seedlings to collapse; practicing good sanitation helps reduce the risk.
- Black Aphids: Combat these pests with horticultural oils, strong water sprays, or by attracting helpful insects like ladybugs.
- Root Rot: Chives dislike overly wet conditions, so be mindful when watering and ensure sufficient drainage in containers.
- Powdery Mildew: High humidity can lead to this fungal issue; promote airflow and prevent overcrowding to help control it.
By following this guide, you can successfully grow chives year-round, ensuring a continuous supply of this delightful and versatile herb for your culinary adventures.
Source: Marthastewart