Planting Chives

When?

• A cool-season herb, Chives perform best in the spring and fall and tend to go dormant in the extreme summer heat.
• The best time to plant them in the garden is in early to mid-spring for an early summer harvest.
• The best results are obtained when the temperature of the soil is between 60º-70ºF (15º-21ºC).
• In cold winter areas, sow Chive seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Transplant outdoors once the threat of frost has passed and when seedlings are about 4 in. tall (10 cm).

Where?

• Chives perform well in USDA Zones 3-9, depending on the species. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.
• They are easily grown in full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day), although they tolerate light shade. Tolerates light shade, but the best performance is in full sun.
• They thrive in rich, moist, well-draining soil. Root rot may occur in wet, poorly-drained soils.
• They are drought-tolerant, once established. However, they need regular moisture during the growing season.
• Chives are typically grown in the herb or vegetable garden but can also be planted in cottage gardens, rock gardens, or border fronts, thanks to their ornamental appeal. In cold climates, they can be overwintered indoors.
• Companion plants to grow with chives include broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, lettuce, peas, roses, squash, strawberries, and tomatoes.

How?

• Incorporate 4-6 in. (10-15 cm) of well-composted organic matter before planting. Work compost into the soil to a depth of 6-8 in. (15-20 cm).
• Plant nursery plants at the same depth at which they were growing in their previous container.
• Sow seeds about 2 in. apart (5 cm) and not deeper than 0.25 in. deep (0.6 cm). Cover with a thin layer of soil, then water gently.
• Thin the seedlings when they are about 2 in. tall (5 cm) so that they are 4-6 in. apart (10-15 cm).
• Use mulch to conserve moisture and keep the weeds out.
• Water regularly throughout the growing season. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.

Care

Watering

• Water regularly throughout the growing season. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings..

Fertilizer

• Chives have low nutrient requirements, so do not need regular fertilization.
• However, a light application of a high-nitrogen fertilizer in late spring or early summer will help produce the best harvest if your soil is not already nutrient-rich.

Overwintering

• Chives grow well in pots and can be overwintered indoors to allow for non-stop harvest.
• Keep them in bright light (at least 6 six hours of sunlight per day).

Deadheading and Pruning

• Snip off any faded leaves and spent flowers.
• Chives will self-seed readily in the garden if spent flower heads are not promptly deadheaded.

Harvesting

• Chive leaves can be used fresh or frozen. Dried Chives lose their flavor.
• Prepare to harvest within 60 days of seed germination, or 30 days after nursery seedlings are planted.
• Cut the leaves with scissors, snipping close to the base. The more often leaves are harvested, the more new leaves will be produced.
• Expect 3 to 4 harvests during the first year.
• To promote more leaves, remove the faded flowers and use the young edible blooms as a garnish on salads.
• Chives are much more productive if divided in spring into clumps of at least 10 small bulbs every 3 to 4 years.

Pest and Diseases

• Chives have very few problems when grown in the right conditions.
• Overwatered plants are prone to root rot.
• Keep an eye out for mildew, rust, smut, onion fly, and thrips.