Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Also known as
Cive, Onion Grass, Schnittlaugh, Seithes, Seives, Giant Garlic, Wild Chives
Allium schoenoprasum by Kompak~commonswiki (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H6
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 10cm |
10cm | Min | 5cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Chives
Chives Overview
Allium schoenoprasum is commonly known by the name Chives. It is a low-growing onion-like plant from the Amaryllidaceae family. It grows from a bulb and will come back year after year. Chives are low-maintenance, high-yielding, versatile and easy to grow. Clumps of well-established plants can be divided every 2-3 years. It produces long slender grass-like foliage and decorative, bell-shaped purple flowers. The green stems are hollow and tubular, with a pungent onion-like smell. The pretty flowers are also edible and make attractive edging and flower arrangements. They make good container plants, provided they receive enough sun. This species is part of the Royal Horticultural Society “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/ or pollen. A great choice for encouraging pollinating insect wildlife into your garden!
Common problems with Chives
Chives Companion Plants
Beans, beetroot, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, eggplant
How to harvest Chives
Harvest leaves throughout the year. Cut leaves down to the base from the outside of the plant first, but don't harvest all at once. Though if you do, it will grow back next season.
How to propagate Chives
Division
Divide plants every 2-3 years.
Seed
Direct sow seeds in spring or summer, 6 mm deep and 10-20 cm apart. Start seed indoors and transplant when they are 5 cm tall. Germinates in 7-10 days.
Special features of Chives
Attracts bees
Repels harmful insects
Repulsive to insects in general, including carrot flies, aphids, and cabbage worms
Pot plant
Easily grown in well-drained pots placed in the sun. Maintain even soil moisture.
Attractive flowers
Attracts useful insects
butterflies, moths, range of flies, range of bees
Other uses of Chives
Culinary
Edible
The immature flowers, bulbs, stems, seeds and leaves are edible
Edibles to Sow Under Cover in December
Grow these on a sunny windowsill or in a heated propagator for winter picking.
