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Why Chives are the Ultimate Herb for Your Garden
January 2, 2025 Lafiette Trowers

Why Chives are the Ultimate Herb for Your Garden

Discover the Beauty of Edible Flowers with Chives - A Must-Have for Your Garden!

Regarding Chives: What are Chives?

Chives are cool-season, cold-tolerant perennials ideal for planting in early to mid-spring for an early summer harvest.

Exercise caution when planting this herb, as it can quickly dominate your garden if the flowers are allowed to mature (they spread seeds). Nevertheless, this plant can be easily transplanted if it starts encroaching on other areas of your garden.

Chives are a beneficial companion plant that repels pests. They pair well with carrots, celery, lettuce, peas, and tomatoes.

Types of Chives to Grow

The two species of chives commonly grown in home gardens are common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and garlic chives (A. tuberosum): 

  • Common chives Plant with slender bulbs, blue-green leaves, edible flowers in various colors. Suitable for zones 3-9.
  • Garlic chives, also known as Chinese chives : Garlic chives resemble common chives but have flatter, greener leaves reaching about 20 inches in height. They offer a mild garlic flavor, with larger white flowers compared to common chives. Best suited for zones 4 to 9.
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Planting

Chives thrive in full sun, but can handle light shade. Soil must be moist, fertile, and well-draining. Add 4 to 6 inches of organic matter before planting, working it into the soil 6 to 8 inches deep.

When to Plant Chives

  • Chives are considered a cool-season crop, they thrive in spring and fall. Summer temperatures cause dormancy until cooler weather returns. Start chive seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost for a head start in colder regions.

How to Plant Chives

  • Plant seeds roughly 2 inches apart and at a depth of no more than ¼ inch. Apply a light layer of soil over them. After seedlings appear, space them out so plants are 4 to 6 inches apart in every direction.
Chives Seeds,(Allium Schoenoprasum) flowers herb, natural insect repellent - Caribbean garden seed

How to Grow Chives

For optimal growth, consistently water chives throughout the season and use mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. In late spring or early summer, use nitrogen-rich fertilizer if needed. Remove flowers after blooming and divide plants every 3-4 years for better production

.Types

  • Garlic chives, to add a mild garlic flavor to any dish
  • Garlic Chives Seeds ,Edible Flower, Fragrance, PERENNIAL Herb - Caribbean garden seed

How to Harvest Chives

Harvest chive leaves after 30 days when transplanted or 60 days when seeded. Cut leaves to the base (within 1-2 inches of soil) and repeat 3-4 times in the first year. Cut plants back monthly in following years. Flowers are edible and taste best when fully opened in late spring or early summer

How to Store Chives

Use fresh or frozen chives for best flavor. Store them in a cool, resealable container.
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