Learn How To Plant, Grow and Harvest Chives

When to Plant Chives

• Best Seasons: Chives are a cool-season herb that thrives in spring and fall. They often go dormant during the intense heat of summer.
• Outdoors: For early summer harvests, sow chives in early to mid-spring when soil temperatures reach 60–70°F (15–21°C).
• Indoors: In cold climates, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings outside once they’re about 4 inches tall (10 cm) and the risk of frost has passed.

Where to Plant Chives

• Hardiness: Suitable for USDA Zones 3–9 depending on the species. Find your zone.
• Sunlight: Chives grow best in full sun (6–8 hours daily), but they can tolerate light shade.
• Soil: Chives thrive in fertile, moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid heavy, compacted soils that retain excess water and may cause root rot.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, chives are drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during active growth.
• Versatile Placement: Ideal for herb gardens, vegetable beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers. In colder zones, chives can be overwintered indoors.

How to Plant Chives

• Prepare the Soil: Mix in 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of compost or aged organic matter to a depth of 6–8 inches (15–20 cm).
• Transplants: Set nursery-grown plants at the same depth they were growing in their original container.
• Seeds: Sow seeds 2 inches (5 cm) apart and no deeper than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Lightly cover with soil and water gently.
• Thinning: Once seedlings are 2 inches tall (5 cm), thin them to 4–6 inches apart (10–15 cm) to promote healthy growth. Mature plants should ideally be spaced 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart for proper airflow and clump expansion.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season, letting the top inch or two dry out slightly between waterings.

How to Care for Chives

Watering

• Consistent Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering or soggy soil to prevent root rot.
• Container Tip: Chives in pots dry out faster and need regular watering. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing

• Minimal Feeding: Chives don’t need much fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and midseason if needed.
• Natural Boost: Add compost around the base to enrich soil and encourage lush growth.

Pruning

• Regular Trimming: Snip leaves frequently to encourage new shoots and delay flowering.
• Deadhead Blooms: Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding and extend the plant’s productivity.

Overwintering

• Cold-Hardy: Chives naturally die back in winter and return in spring. In mild zones, they may stay evergreen.
• Mulch Protection: Apply a layer of mulch in fall to insulate roots in colder regions.

How to Harvest Chives

When to Harvest

• Start Early: Begin harvesting once the plant reaches 6 inches (15 cm) tall—usually about 60 days after planting.
• Repeat Harvests: Cut every few weeks to keep the plant producing throughout the season.

How to Harvest

• Leaf Cutting: Use clean scissors to snip leaves 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) above soil level. Don’t cut more than a third of the plant at once.
• Harvest Flowers: Pick blooms for salads or decoration, or leave a few to feed pollinators.

Preservation Tips

• Freeze: Chop and freeze chives in water or oil using ice cube trays—perfect for adding to sauces and soups.
• Drying: Dry for later use, though this method dulls the flavor. Use a dehydrator or air-dry in small bunches.

How to Propagate Chives

Dividing Mature Plants

• Step 1: Lift established clumps in early spring or fall.
• Step 2: Separate the clumps into sections, each with healthy roots and shoots.
• Step 3: Replant divisions 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart in well-prepared soil.
• Step 4: Water well and keep soil moist until the new growth appears.

Growing from Seed

• Start Indoors: Sow seeds 6–8 weeks before your last frost date.
• Germination: Expect sprouting in 7–14 days at 60–70°F (15–21°C).
• Transplant: Move outdoors once frost danger passes. Space seedlings about 6 inches (15 cm) apart.

Common Pests and Diseases of Chives

Pests

Aphids

• Symptoms: Deformed, sticky leaves from sap-sucking.
• Control: Spray with water or use neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Thrips

• Symptoms: Silvery, streaked foliage.
• Control: Remove infested parts and use natural sprays.

Japanese Beetles

• Symptoms: Skeletonized leaves and holes.
• Control: Hand-pick beetles, use neem oil or row covers.

Snails and Slugs

• Symptoms: Ragged holes and slime trails on foliage.
• Control: Apply diatomaceous earth or pick pests by hand in the evening.

Diseases

Downy Mildew

• Symptoms: Yellow leaf spots with downy growth underneath.
• Control: Improve airflow, avoid wetting leaves, and remove infected parts.

Gray Mold

• Symptoms: Gray fuzzy mold and browning of leaves or flowers.
• Control: Prune damaged sections and increase ventilation.

Root Rot

• Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth due to soggy soil.
• Control: Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency.

Prevention Tips

• Provide good spacing to allow air circulation.
• Water at the base—keep foliage dry.
• Remove any dead or diseased material quickly.
• Check plants regularly and treat issues early.
• Rotate crops and clean garden tools and containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best conditions for growing chives?

Chives thrive in full sun (6–8 hours of direct light daily) and prefer fertile, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during dry spells.

Can chives be grown indoors?

Yes, chives grow well indoors in a sunny window that receives at least 6 hours of light per day. Use a pot with drainage holes and a quality potting mix, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

How do you grow chives from seeds or bulbs?

Sow seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost indoors or directly in the garden after frost danger has passed. Plant seeds 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) deep, 2 inches (5 cm) apart, then thin seedlings to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart. Chives also grow from divisions of mature clumps planted in spring or fall.

How often should chives be watered?

Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely or become waterlogged.

Do chives need fertilizer, and if so, what type?

Chives benefit from a light feeding in early spring and midseason using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Alternatively, apply compost as a top-dressing to enrich the soil naturally.

How do you divide and rejuvenate chive plants?

Every 2 to 3 years, dig up and divide mature clumps in spring or fall. Replant divisions 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart to rejuvenate growth and improve air circulation.

Should flowers be removed to encourage leaf production?

Yes, remove flower stalks (deadheading) to redirect energy into leaf production and prevent self-seeding, especially with garlic chives.

How do you harvest chives properly?

Use clean scissors to snip leaves 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) above the soil level. Harvest regularly but never cut more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Are chive flowers edible?

Yes, chive flowers are edible and have a stronger onion flavor than the leaves. Use them in salads, herb butters, or as a decorative garnish.

Can chives be frozen for later use?

Chives can be chopped and frozen in airtight containers or ice cube trays with water or oil. This preserves their flavor for soups, sauces, and more. Drying is possible but less ideal, as it diminishes flavor.

Why are my chives turning yellow or brown?

Discoloration may be due to overwatering, underwatering, poor soil drainage, or nutrient deficiencies. Remove damaged foliage and adjust care conditions.

What can I do if my chive seeds fail to germinate?

Ensure soil temperatures are between 60–70°F (15–21°C), and keep the soil consistently moist. Use fresh seeds and sow shallowly with good light exposure.

How do I prevent pests or diseases affecting my chives?

Chives are generally pest-resistant but may suffer from aphids, thrips, or fungal diseases like downy mildew or root rot. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and inspect regularly. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

Do chives grow back every year?

Yes, chives are hardy perennials in USDA Zones 3–9. They die back in winter and return reliably in spring for many years with proper care.