Herb seeds - Chives (Common)

Chives Seeds - herb, natural insect repellent. Effective insect repellent for gardens, container gardening, and edging. Easy to grow, adds visual appeal and flavor to dishes.

Use Chives to add onion flavor to cooking, as a garnish, and as an insect repellant for companion plants. Harvest when leaves reach desired height and use fresh or freeze for year-round use.

• 1 oz - Approximately 7,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 28,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 112,000 Seeds

Sowing: Chives are adaptable to various soil types although they prefer well-drained soil rich in nutrients and exposure to either full sun or partial shade. To ensure the fastest germination, start the seeds indoors approximately four weeks before the last spring frost, providing bottom heat, consistent moisture, and a dark environment. Common chives seeds typically take 2-3 weeks to sprout and can be safely transplanted 6-8" apart once they are large enough. If planting directly in the ground, wait for the last spring frost and sow the seeds 1/4" deep, spacing them 18" apart in rows. Once the seedlings appear, thin them to 6-8" apart. Chives are also well-suited for container gardening and can be planted alongside carrots for enhanced flavor and production.

Growing: Keep the soil moist while the seedlings are developing. Chives will spread vigorously with each year of growth, and can easily be divided for new plantings. After several frosts, cut the plant down to the ground.

Harvesting: In the first year, do not harvest chives for strong development. In the second year, harvest chives when they are 6" long by cutting them 1/2" above the soil with a sharp knife or scissors. To encourage healthy growth, avoid cutting all of the leaves and frequently cut to signal new growth. Leaves can be refrigerated for a week or frozen, but lose flavor when dried. Use buds and flowers as edible garnishes.