Chives are perennial members of the onion family that sport beautiful edible flowers. Plus, theyre a wonderful companion plant that helps deter pests. Heres how to grow chives in your garden!
About Chives
Chives are cool-season, cold-tolerant perennials best planted in early to mid-spring for an early summer harvest.
Be mindful when planting this herb, as it will take over your garden if the flowers are allowed to develop fully (the flowers scatter the seeds). However, this plant is easy to dig up and move if it does end up invading other parts of your garden.
Chives are also a wonderful companion plant that deters pests. Theyre a good friend to plant with carrots, celery, lettuce, peas, and tomatoes.
Chives grow best in full sun, though they will tolerate light shade. Ideally, the soil should be moist, fertile, and well-draining. Before planting, incorporate 4 to 6 inches of well-composted organic matter. Work compost into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. (Read more about soil amendments and preparing the soil for planting.)
When to Plant Chives
Chives are considered a cool-season crop, meaning they grow best in the spring and fall. The harsher temperatures of summer usually cause them to go dormant until cool weather arrives again.
For a head start in colder regions, start chive seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. (See local frost dates.) Transplants need good growth before being set in the garden.
Outdoors, sow seeds as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. They can take a few weeks to germinate, so dont panic! For the best germination and growth, the temperature of the soil should be between 60º and 70ºF (15º and 21ºC).
Plant transplants outdoors once the threat of frost has passed.
How to Plant Chives
Sow seeds about 2 inches apart and no more than ¼ inch deep. Cover with a thin layer of soil.
Once seedlings emerge, thin so that plants are spaced between 4 to 6 inches apart in all directions.
