Chives
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 |
Up to 25cm/10-inches |
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Where to Sow |
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 |
March/April - temperature +16C/61F |
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How to Sow |
3 seeds per pot 12mm/1/2-inch deep |
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After Germination |
Keep well watered |
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Growing on - in Pots |
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 |
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 |
Cut the leaves close to the base as and when needed. Best harvested before flowering. |
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Uses |
In salads, egg and dairy dishes. |