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Chives (Allium
schoenoprasum) - Hardy
The flowers make a
nice display in your beds and make a lovely garnish for your food. They are sown
in late Spring when the soil temperature as risen to 16 C ( 61 F ) and will grow
easily. A method practised more is to dig up clumps and divide and replant, this
should be done every 3 years anyway. The soil should be moist, rich and in good
sunshine. To encourage fresh growth they can be cut back with shears. They will
die back in Winter but can be potted up and left on a windowsill indoors.
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Plant
Height
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Up
to 25cm/10-inches
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Where
to Sow
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Indoors/Outdoors
in small pots 7.5cm/3" diameter or directly in the ground in sun or
partial shade.
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Sowing
time
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March/April
- temperature +16C/61F
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How
to Sow
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3
seeds per pot 12mm/1/2-inch deep
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After
Germination
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Keep
well watered
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Growing
on - in Pots
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Once
the plants are established with a good root system, divide into separate
plants and pot each up into 7.5cm/3" pots. Harden off plants
which have been raised indoors and finally move outdoors once all danger
of frost has passed.
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Growing
on- in ground
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Harden
off plants which have been raised indoors and finally move outdoors once
all danger of frost has passed. Thin or plant out 15cm/6-inches
apart. Divide old plants at the beginning of the growing season.
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Harvesting
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Cut
the leaves close to the base as and when needed. Best harvested before
flowering.
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Uses
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In
salads, egg and dairy dishes.
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