Chives are super easy to grow, require little maintenance, and come back year after year. Edible flowers make a tasty chive vinegar, look and taste great in salads, and dry well for arrangements; foliage adds a subtle onion flavor to many dishes. A good container variety — grow indoors in the winter, in a warm, sunny location. Cool season perennial.
Foliage grows 6-12" tall and has a mild onion flavor great for flavoring a wide variety of dishes! Grass-like clusters of hollow leaves grow back quickly after being cut. Chopped leaves make an attractive garnish! Round balls of pink flowers are very showy and beautiful and can be used as a garnish as well! Suitable for growing in containers and attractive to bees, butterflies, and/or birds. Average water needs.
Chives, the oldest species of edible onion known, has been used in China since about 3000 B.C. The botanical name actually comes from the Greek meaning, "reed-like leek". Chives are now grown all over the world; historical legend states that Marco Polo discovered this herb in China and brought it back to his native land. Medieval gardeners often planted chives around the borders for both decoration and to ward off harmful insects.
Along with parsley, tarragon, and chervil, chives is included in the famous blend of herbs known as "Fines herbes." The onion-like flavor of chives makes them a traditional addition to dishes with cheese, eggs, fish, or potatoes; the flowers make a delicate herbal vinegar, in addition to being a colorful addition to salads. Allium schoenoprasum
~ germination ~
Days to emerge: 10-15 days. Chives grow well in a variety of soil types, though they prefer rich, well drained soil and full sun or partial shade. The seed can be started indoors about 4 weeks before the last spring frost; provide bottom heat, consistent moisture, and darkness for fastest germination. The seeds should sprout within 2-3 weeks; they can be transplanted 6-8" apart as soon as they grow big enough to handle safely, and there is no chance of frost. To direct sow, plant the seeds after the last frost of spring 1/4" deep in rows 18" apart, thinning to 6-8" apart as soon as the seedlings appear. Chives also grow well as a container plant. For companion planting benefits, plant chives with carrots; this improves the carrots' flavor and production.
~ planting ~
When to sow outside: 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost or as soon as soil can be worked, or as late as 2 months before first fall frost. When to start inside: 6 weeks before average last frost.
~ harvesting ~
FOLIAGE: Cut outer spears of chives when at least 6" long, and cut back to 2" above ground level. Once or twice a season, shear plants to 2" above ground. This will keep new, tender foliage available. FLOWERS: Harvest for dried flowers & consumption when in full bloom.
