Chives

Chives have an onion-like flavor that comes from the robust stems which are generally chopped finely and great to add to almost any savory dish; use in sour cream, cream cheese, soups, and on your morning eggs, etc. The light lavender flowers can be added to your favorite salad, just break the head apart. Grows 8-12".

100 seeds

Please note that germination rates for alliums (onions/shallots/chives/leeks) decline rapidly. We strongly encourage you to purchase new seed each growing season.

PLANTING

Allium schoenopraum

Perennial, zones 4-9

Germination: 4-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-75ºF

Seed Planting Depth:  Sow ¼” deep

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Sow in flats 1/4” deep, 1/4” apart. Transplant seedlings out mid/late spring, 4-6” apart. 

Sowing Outdoors: In early to mid-spring when the soil temperature reaches 55-60ºF. Sow a group of seeds, 4-6” apart. Thin out or let grow to fully mature plants

Growth Habit: Columnar 

Height and Width: 12-18” x 12-24”

Spacing: 4-6” apart

Light Needs: Full sun to light shade

Soil Needs: Chives need fertile, well-drained soil 

Flowering: 70-80 days

Harvest: Start harvesting once the leaves are pencil-sized and/or plants are established.  Use fresh, dried, or freeze.

Uses: Culinary, edible flowers, flowers attract bees and beneficial insects

Care: Divide clumps every few years to keep the plants productive

Tips: Self-seeds, remove seed heads if you do not want volunteers. Grow well in containers