General
Chives in salads. Chives in baked potatoes. Chives make delicious additions to many types of meals!
Latin
Allium spp.
Alliaceae family.
Difficulty
Easy.
Season & Zone
Season: Cool season.
Exposure: Sun or part-shade.
Zone: Hardy from zone 3 and above.
Plant Type
Perennial (P)
Planting Seeds
Seeds require heat to sprout, so wait until the soil is warm and sow small slumps of seeds where they are to grow. Or inside the
seedling warmer will help germination.
Preparing Soil
Soil should drain well in a rich, moist soil in a fairly sunny location. Using the chives as an edging, set transplants 15cm (6") apart in the garden.
Planting
Clumps of chives (small bulbs) spread to be about 30cm (12") across. They should be divided at this time and replanted to stand 30cm (12") apart and given as gifts or potted into flower pots to bring indoors.
Diseases & Pests
None.
Harvest
The whole plant can be cut down to 4cm (2") from the ground. Use scissors and take as much as needed. Chives don't dehydrate well, so use fresh portions regularly. The flowers can be used in salads or to flavour vinegars.
Companion Plants
Carrots.
