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chives
Amaryllidaceae
Chives Seeds
Allium schoenoprasum
Product code : WESTO-0080
Chives form narrow, hollow leaves with a mild onion flavour. Snip fresh leaves over prepared dishes for a simple aromatic garnish. Cut with scissors and retain a base of foliage so the clump can regrow.
- Exposure
- Sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Perennial
Discover the plant
Common nameChives
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusAllium
Speciesschoenoprasum
Typechives
Botanical nameAllium schoenoprasum
Chives Seeds (Allium schoenoprasum) Chives form narrow, hollow leaves with a mild onion flavour. Snip fresh leaves over prepared dishes for a simple aromatic garnish.
Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in spring. Sow about 6 mm deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist through emergence. Allow 15 to 20 cm between plants. Provide sun to partial shade and avoid standing water. A germination temperature of 18 to 21°C is appropriate for this crop. Thin crowded seedlings early and harden indoor-started plants gradually before transplanting.
Cut with scissors and retain a base of foliage so the clump can regrow. Cut young leaves while leaving enough foliage for regrowth.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
6 mm
Spacing / density
15 to 20 cm between plants
Germination temperature
18 to 21°C
Germination time
7 to 14 days
Sowing period
Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in spring
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Prepare a clean seedbed or containers with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in spring. Sow about 6 mm deep unless the packet gives a more specific direction. Use the following spacing as the crop develops: 15 to 20 cm between plants. Keep the medium evenly moist during emergence without leaving it saturated. Provide sun to partial shade and good air movement. Thin crowded seedlings early so the remaining plants develop without unnecessary competition. Harden indoor-started plants gradually before transplanting them outdoors after the appropriate frost date. Maintain even moisture.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Watering
Maintain even moisture. Check moisture at soil level instead of watering only by schedule. Water gently during germination so seeds are not displaced, then direct irrigation toward the root zone. Avoid standing water and adjust frequency after rain.
Soil type
Chives performs best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Loosen compacted ground before sowing and remove large stones or persistent weeds. Mature compost may improve poor soil, but avoid creating a heavy or waterlogged seedbed.
Fertilization
Prepare the soil with mature compost when fertility is low. A light, balanced fertilizer may be used according to its label, but excessive feeding can cause weak or unbalanced growth. Observe leaf colour and plant development before adding more nutrients. Water after any application.
Seasonal care
At sowing time, prepare fertile, moist, well-drained soil and follow this timing: Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in spring. Keep the surface moist until emergence, label the row, and thin seedlings according to the recommended spacing. During active growth, provide sun to partial shade and monitor soil moisture, weeds, and leaf condition. Maintain even moisture. In warm or windy weather, check containers and exposed beds more frequently. Remove damaged material and keep enough space for air circulation. At harvest or after flowering, use clean tools and clear unhealthy debris. Healthy residue may be composted where appropriate. At the end of the season, clean containers and tools, record useful observations, and store remaining seed in a cool, dry, dark place.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Choose an accessible pot for frequent small harvests, with clear drainage holes and room for growth.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
28 to 33 cm (11–13 in)
Width / spread
36 to 46 cm (14–18 in)
Harvest
Cut young leaves while leaving enough foliage for regrowth.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Group herbs with compatible needs in the same area, while keeping mint in its own container.
Other recommended plants
Tropea Lunga Select Red Onion; Spearmint; Oat Cat Grass
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How should Chives be sown?
Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in spring. Prepare fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Sow about 6 mm deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence without saturating it. Label the row and provide sun to partial shade. Thin crowded seedlings so the final spacing follows this guidance: 15 to 20 cm between plants. If plants are started indoors, provide strong light and harden them gradually before transplanting outdoors at the appropriate time.
Where should I grow Chives?
Light: Sun to partial shade. Adjust moisture retention in the growing mix to the herb being grown. Light: Sun to partial shade. Chives prefers sun to partial shade and fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Choose a location that leaves enough room for 15 to 20 cm between plants. Avoid low spots where water remains after rain. In a container, use drainage holes and a clean growing mix. Observe how light moves across the space during the day, especially near buildings or taller plants.
How should I water Chives?
Check root-ball moisture before watering and avoid unnecessarily wetting leaves intended for harvest. Maintain even moisture. During germination, use a gentle spray or careful watering so seed is not displaced. After establishment, water at soil level when the surface begins to dry. Adjust frequency to rainfall, heat, wind, soil texture, and container size. Avoid standing water because roots still require oxygen. Morning watering can help foliage dry normally during the day.
What maintenance does Chives need?
Keep the planting labelled, weeded, and appropriately spaced. Check young plants regularly for wilting, chewing damage, discolouration, or crowding. Provide sun to partial shade and maintain the moisture pattern described for the crop. Use clean tools, avoid deep cultivation near established roots, and remove unhealthy debris. Apply any fertilizer or pest-control product only according to its label.
When should I harvest Chives?
Cut young leaves while leaving enough foliage for regrowth. Cut with scissors and retain a base of foliage so the clump can regrow.
For a great start to your seeds
The right extras.Right here.
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