Herb Gardening Guide | Information How To Grow Chives

HerbGardening.com Home

Growing Basil

Growing Catnip / Catmint

Growing Chamomile

Growing Chives

Growing Cilantro

Growing Dill

Growing Fennel

Growing Lavender

Growing Lemon Balm

Growing Marjoram

Growing Mint

Growing Oregano

Growing Parsley

Growing Rosemary

Growing Sage

Growing Tarragon

Growing Thyme

Growing Watercress

HerbGardening.com

Home | Contact | Privacy Statement | Herb Links | Table of Contents

HerbGardening.com is an informational web site from Superior Growers Supply, Inc. of East Lansing, Michigan.
Copyright © 2007 | Superior Growers Supply, Inc. | All Rights Reserved

Chives

A perennial, hardy species of onion (Allium schoenoprasum), whose small, slender, hollow leaves, chopped fine, are used for flavoring salads, stews and soups. Handled like onions, the small oval bulbs multiply rapidly, form clumps, develop abundant foliage 6 to 8 inches high and small round heads of tiny lavender flowers.

As both foliage and flowers are attractive in appearance (though onion-scented), the plants are often used for edging flower beds; but unless the flower-heads are cut or the seed is gathered promptly, self-sown seedlings may prove troublesome weeds. For best results the clumps should be divided every second or third year.

Growing Chives

Growing Cultures
Outdoors, containers, hydroponics.

Plant Height
Chives grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).

Plant Spacing
Chives should be spaced 6 to 9 inches (15 - 22cm) apart.

Order #FM1267
Chives
List Price: 1.79
Our Price: 1.07

Chives Seeds 615MG
Perennial herb. The hollow, thin leaves have a delicate flavor much like very mild onions. Delicious in salads and for flavoring soups and omelets. Because of the plants attractive cloverlike blossoms, they are often used for edging flowerbeds. Start seed indoors in a sunny location 6 weeks before planting outdoors. Or, sow seed in the garden in sunny location in rich, well-drained soil. Performs best in rows 12 inches apart. Thin plants to 6 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall. Leaves can be harvested 4 months after sowing; then cut often. For fresh supply in winter, bring clumps indoors in containers. Usually used fresh but can be preserved by drying or freezing. Excellent for indoor windowsill gardens.

Preferred pH Range
Chives will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 7.8 (mildly alkaline).

Propagation
From seed. Start seeds indoors six weeks before planting outdoors. By division, leaving about a half a dozen small bulbs in a clump which will develop nicely into a full size plant.

Seed Germination Period
15 to 21 days.

Seeds Per Gram (Approximate)
Between 200 and 750.

Soil Requirements
Well drained, fertile and rich in humus.

Alternative Growing Media
Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.

Time From Seed to Saleable Plant
Seeds to finished plugs, 12 to 16 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 11 weeks.

Sun & Lighting Requirements
Chives grown outdoors prefer full sun.

Chives will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output fluorescent , compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage. Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.

USDA Hardiness
Zones 3a to 9b.

Water Requirements
Water on a regular schedule, taking care to not overwater.

Potential Pests & Diseases
Aphids, thrips. Minimal disease issues.

Special Notes
Chives are known to attract bees and repel deer.

Purchase Chives seeds with confidence from HomeHarvestSeeds.com!

Order #FM1268
Chives, Garlic
List Price: 1.79
Our Price: 1.07

Chives Seeds
Garlic 400MG
Perennial herb. Distinguished by white ball-shaped flowers which grow in clusters above the tips on the spear-like flat leaves. Clip leaves for use as seasoning in salads, cheese and egg dishes, gravies and soups for a delicate onion or garlic flavor. Start seed indoors in a sunny location 6 weeks before planting outdoors. Or, sow seed in the garden in sunny location in rich, well-drained soil. Performs best in rows 12 inches apart.Thin plants to 6 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall. Leaves can be harvested 4 months after sowing; then cut often. For fresh supply in winter, bring clumps indoors in containers. Usually used fresh but can be preserved by drying or freezing. Excellent for indoor windowsill gardens.

Order #FM3031
Organic Chives
List Price 2.79
Our Price: 1.95

Organic Chives Seed by Ferry-Morse Organic

Organic Chives Seed 840MG
Perennial herb. The hollow, thin leaves have a delicate flavor much like very mild onions. Delicious in salads and for flavoring soups and omelets. Because of the plants attractive cloverlike blossoms, they are often used for edging flowerbeds. Continual harvesting ensures denser growth. If you prefer a very mild taste, harvest while in bloom. Excellent for indoor windowsill garden.

Order #FM3034
Organic Chives,
Garlic
List Price: 2.79
Our Price: 1.95

Organic Garlic Chives Seed by Ferry-Morse Organic

Organic Chives Seed
Garlic (Allium Tuberosum) 440MG
Perennial herb. Distinguished by white ball-shaped flowers which grow in clusters above the tips on the spear-like flat leaves. Clip leaves for use as seasonings in salads, cheese and egg dishes, gravies and soups for a delicate onion or garlic flavor. For fresh supply for winter, bring clumps indoors in containers. Usually used fresh but can be preserved by drying or freezing. Excellent for indoor windowsill gardens.