Growing Chives, also Garden chives

Allium schoenoprasum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S       S          
        T     T        
      P P              

(Best months for growing Chives in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots, Tomatoes, Parsley, Apples

Your comments and tips

05 Feb 14, Pollyanna holmes (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What do you mean by medicinal edible salts as far as chives goes.do you have to dry them with salt or suchlike many thanks
21 Dec 13, Derek Mallon (Australia - temperate climate)
I just went to harvest some seeds from our chives and began separating the seeds from the dead flowers. I had to stop because some of the seeds started jumping around the bench. I finally discovered that these seeds were fleas. My question is, are fleas a pest for chives. And why would fleas be attracted to chives.
11 Oct 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there I live in perth and have had no luck in growing chives in pots, I have tried chook poo and no chook poo, sunny and part sunny spots, but the chives just die or don.t grow at all. I seem to grow everything else. What am I doing wrong. Thanks mandee
27 Oct 13, Ferran (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
check the soil they like it nice and light with slight moisture not too wet, doesn't need to be too nutritious. If you are buying them from the super market i find they don't do too well. Try a garden store, if you by them from a garden store they will often be very willing to give advice. Time of year can also be affecting them. Rather than using chook poo which can be a bit strong try worm wee or a small amount of worm "tea" dug around the roots. Also make sure they have enough space. Good luck! - Ferran
31 Aug 13, Narelle stirey (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Like all bulbs they appreciate room, so divide your clumps regularly. Also they like a sandy but humus rich premium soil so consider that and give them side dressings of manure and pick flowers. I cut mine off at the base and sell/use both flowers and leaves to make medicinal , edible salts.
02 Aug 13, Alan (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
My Chives are not growing well at all. they get part sun and are well drained. they have no tops. can you give a hint
04 Nov 12, (USA - Zone 5b climate)
How far do you cut the flowers on the chives.
11 May 12, Kharnifex (Australia - temperate climate)
Chives took 6 months to germinate in my garden bed, they take an extremely long amount of time, once established, they keep going and going
26 Apr 13, Katieee (Australia - temperate climate)
Do chives use a lot of water?
09 Mar 12, Nina (Australia - temperate climate)
My chives are growing but now covered by tiny blackflea-like creatures. Any clues as to what they are, and how to get rid of them?
Showing 21 - 30 of 45 comments

Even with an electric propagator, I can't get chive seeds to germinate! Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? I've tried with 3 different lots of seeds, different growing mediums and different seasons (except Winter).

- Narelle

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