General
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a hardy perennial herb forming dense clumps of hollow, onion-flavoured leaves and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. It overwinters reliably in cold climates and is among the earliest herbs to sprout in spring. Chives thrive in cool to mild conditions, full sun to light shade, and well-drained, fertile soil. Flowers are edible and excellent for pollinators. Regular harvesting keeps plants tender and delays flowering. In colder regions, foliage dies back in winter and re-sprouts from the crown in spring.
Light
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of light gives the best growth.
Soil type
Moist but well-drained loam or sandy loam enriched with compost; tolerates clay if drainage is improved.
Water requirement
Moderate; keep evenly moist, especially in containers. Avoid waterlogging.
Nutrient requirement
Low to moderate; a light spring dressing of compost is usually sufficient.
Precultivation
Sow indoors 6–10 weeks before the last frost. Use a fine seed compost, sow thinly 0.5–1 cm deep, and keep at 15–20°C. Maintain even moisture; germination typically occurs in 8–21 days. Transplant in small clumps (10–15 seedlings per module) to encourage bunching. Harden off for 7–10 days before planting out. Alternatively, divide mature clumps in early spring or early autumn.
Planting
Plant out when daytime temperatures are consistently above 5–7°C and soil is workable. Spacing: 25–30 cm between clumps and rows. Plant crowns at the same depth they grew in pots. Work in compost prior to planting; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can make growth lush but weak. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Chives tolerate partial shade but yield best in full sun.
Pruning
For leaf production, shear plants to 3–5 cm whenever they get coarse or start to flower. Removing flower buds extends the leafy harvest. After the main flowering flush (early–mid summer), cut back spent stems to encourage a fresh flush. In late autumn, cut down dead foliage to tidy plants or leave as winter protection and cut in early spring.
Maintenance
Water regularly during dry spells, especially for container-grown plants. Top-dress with compost in early spring and give a light boost after the first heavy cut in summer. Divide crowded clumps every 3–4 years in spring or early autumn to maintain vigor. Keep area weed-free. For winter use, pot up a division in autumn and grow on a bright windowsill. Flowers can self-seed; deadhead if you wish to limit spread.
Harvest
Harvest from spring to autumn. Cut leaves with clean scissors 2–3 cm above the crown; never scalp the plant. Frequent light harvests keep leaves tender. Use fresh, or refrigerate wrapped in a damp towel. Leaves freeze well when chopped. Edible flowers add mild onion flavor to salads and vinegars.
Common issues
Generally low-maintenance. Possible issues: onion rust (rotate, ensure airflow, avoid overhead watering), downy mildew in prolonged damp (improve drainage, thin clumps), onion fly and thrips (use insect netting early, encourage beneficials, remove infested foliage). Overfertilization leads to soft growth; waterlogging causes rot.
Pollination
Insect-pollinated for seed production (bees and hoverflies). Pollination is not needed for leaf harvest.
Companion plants
Carrot, tomato, strawberry, apple trees, roses, lettuce. Flowers attract beneficial insects and foliage may deter aphids.
Incompatible plants
Avoid close, repeated planting with peas and beans (legumes) in the same spot; rotate to reduce allium pests and diseases.
