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Allium schoenoprasum ‘Forescate’ (Chives)

Chives 'Forescate'

Allium Schoenoprasum 'Forescate', Chives 'Forescate', Chives, Chives Plant, Chives Flower, Cive, Onion Grass, Aromatic Herb, Cooking Herb
Allium Schoenoprasum 'Forescate', Chives 'Forescate', Chives, Chives Plant, Chives Flower, Cive, Onion Grass, Aromatic Herb, Cooking Herb

Larger than the species, Allium schoenoprasum ‘Forescate’ (Chives) is a small bulbous perennial forming a dense clump of thin, narrowly cylindrical, grass-like, bright green leaves. Blooming in late spring to early summer, attractive clusters of bright, rosy-pink, rounded umbels are borne on erect stems atop the foliage. Both flowers and leaves are edible. The flowers are perfect in salads, while the leaves are widely used to add mild onion flavor to sauces, stews, mashed vegetables, fish, poultry, egg dishes, and salads. Since their delicate flavor is easily destroyed by heat, add chives during the last few minutes of cooking time or scatter them on a finished dish to garnish. Noted for its ornamental garden appeal, this large-flowered selection of chives also makes good cut flowers.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm). Will self-seed if spent flower heads are not promptly deadheaded.
  • Easy to grow, Chives thrive in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. Add grit to clay soils to improve drainage. Chives are drought-tolerant once established.
  • Chives are great additions to herb gardens, vegetable gardens, rock gardens, border fronts, or containers.
  • Chives attract bees and butterflies, but their strong smell turns away deer.
  • Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for downy mildews and leek rust.
  • Cut back after flowering or merely remove dead flower heads.
  • Leaves are best harvested by cutting them off down to the base.
  • Propagate by seed, or division.
  • Chives are much more productive if divided into clumps of at least 10 small bulbs every 3 to 4 years.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Allium schoenoprasum is native to temperate areas of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Hundreds of Allium species exist, but only a few have made a name for themselves as garden plants. The ornamental onions distinguish themselves by their remarkable diversity in color, inflorescence, and flowering height. Many species bloom in early summer – just after the spring-flowering period and just before the exuberant full bloom of summer. Certain small species are perfect for a rock garden, and several lend themselves to naturalizing. All species can be used in the border.

Learn How To Plant, Grow and Harvest Chives


Easy to grow, Chives are rewarding little plants to grow outdoors in the garden or indoors in pots.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Bulbs, Herbs
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Allium
Common names Onion, Chives
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Allium cepa Aggregatum Group (Shallot)
Allium cepa (Onion)
Allium sativum (Garlic)
Allium caesium (Ornamental Onion)
Allium ‘Purple Rain’ (Ornamental Onion)
Allium ‘Miami’ (Ornamental Onion)

Recommended Companion Plants

Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Allium cepa Aggregatum Group (Shallot)
Daucus carota subsp. sativus (Carrot)
Nepeta racemosa (Catmint)
Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris)
Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Bulbs, Herbs
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Allium
Common names Onion, Chives
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Allium
Guides with
Allium
Not sure which Allium to pick?
Compare Now

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