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Growing chives is a great way to add a flavorful herb to your garden. Not only are they easy to grow, but they also add a pop of color and texture to your garden beds. If you’re considering growing chives in your garden, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ve got everything you need to know about growing chives, including tips on planting, care, and harvesting. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you’ll soon be on your way to growing this versatile herb.
About Chives
Chives are a herb that belongs to the Allium family, which also includes garlic, onions, and leeks. They are native to Europe and Asia but are now widely cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world. They can be found in gardens, as well as in the wild, and are often used for both culinary and ornamental purposes.
The thin, hollow leaves are a beautiful green color and produce small, lavender-colored flowers. They have a mild onion-like flavor and are often used to flavor dishes such as omelets, soups, and salads. They’re hardy, easy to grow and maintain, and can be grown in pots or in the ground. They can be harvested all year round if grown indoors, making them a versatile herb to have in any kitchen.
Varieties of Chives
There are several varieties of chives, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few common varieties:
- Common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) – This is the most widely cultivated variety of chives and is known for its mild onion-like flavor. Common chives have long, thin, hollow leaves that are a deep green color.
- Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum)– As the name suggests, this variety of chives has a distinct garlic flavor. They have flat leaves that are wider than common chives, and they also produce small, white flowers.
- Giant Siberian chives (Allium ledebourianum) – This variety of chives is known for its large, glossy leaves and tall growth habit. They can grow up to 3 feet tall and have a mild onion-like flavor.
- Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum) – Also known as Chinese leeks, this variety of chives has a stronger garlic flavor than common chives. They have wider leaves than common chives and produce small, white flowers.
- Rampion chives (Allium ursinum) – This is a wild variety of chives that is native to Europe and has a stronger onion flavor than common chives. They have long, thin, tube-like leaves and produce small, white flowers.
- Curly chives (Allium schoenoprasum var. sibiricum) – As the name suggests, this variety has curly leaves that are a deep green color and have a mild onion-like flavor.
All varieties of chives are easy to grow and maintain and can be used in culinary dishes and ornamental gardens. Some varieties like Garlic chives and Chinese chives are also used in Asian cuisine.
Uses of Chives
Chives can be used in many different ways. Here’s a look at some of the most common uses for this herb.
· Culinary Uses of Chives
Chives are a popular herb in many cuisines, often used to flavor dishes such as omelettes, soups, and salads. They have a mild onion-like flavor and can be used fresh or dried. They can also be used to garnish dishes, and the leaves can be snipped and sprinkled over a dish to add a mild onion flavor.
Chives are a staple ingredient in French cuisine, used to season butter, cheese, and creamy sauces. They can also be used to make dips, dressings, and marinades. They complement fish and poultry dishes very well and are a great addition to soups, stews, and casseroles.
· Medicinal Uses of Chives
Chives have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties, they are believed to have antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. They have been used to treat a variety of ailments such as indigestion, respiratory issues, and skin conditions.
Chives are also rich in Vitamin C and other antioxidants that are beneficial for the immune system. They’re also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and might help lower blood pressure.
· Ornamental Uses of Chives
Chives have several ornamental uses, including the following:
- Garden borders: Chives can be used as a border plant in ornamental gardens, they are easy to grow and maintain, and they add a pop of green and color to garden beds.
- Container gardening: Chives also make great container plants and can be grown in pots on decks, patios, and balconies.
- Cut flowers: Chives produce small, lavender-colored flowers that can be cut and used in floral arrangements.
- Butterfly and bee friendly: As chives produce small, lavender-colored flowers that attract butterflies and bees, they can also be grown as a part of a butterfly or bee garden.
- Rock gardens: Chives are well suited to rock gardens and can be grown in rock crevices or among rocks.
- Ground cover: Chives can also be used as a ground cover in gardens, they grow low and spread out, filling in empty spaces.
- Edible Landscaping: Chives can be incorporated into an edible landscape as they are both beautiful and edible.
As you can see, chives are a versatile herb that can be used in many ways in an ornamental garden, they’re hardy and easy to grow, and they add both color and texture to garden beds. They’re also perfect for small gardens, balconies, and patios.
· Companion Planting
Chives are believed to be a good companion plant for other plants, particularly in the vegetable garden. Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to benefit each other. Here are a few examples of how chives can be used as companion plants:
- Chives are believed to repel aphids and other insects, when planted near other plants that are susceptible to insect damage, such as roses, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Chives are thought to improve the growth and flavor of other plants when planted near them. They are often planted near carrots, broccoli, and other vegetables.
- Chives are also believed to improve the growth and health of fruit trees when planted near them.
- They also attract pollinators like bees, which can help with the pollination of other plants.
- Planting chives in the proximity of fruit trees like apples, apricots, and plums is also believed to help prevent apple scab disease.
It’s important to note that companion planting is not an exact science and results can vary depending on the specific growing conditions and environment. However, chives are easy to grow, they don’t take much space, and they are not demanding plants, so it’s worth giving it a try.
Growing and Caring for Chives
Sowing Chives
Sowing chives is easy and can be done in the spring after the last frost has passed. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, in a location that receives full sun. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in seed trays and then transplanted later.
The seeds should be spaced about 6 inches apart, and they need to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes 2-3 weeks and the plants will be ready for harvest within 2-3 months.
It’s also possible to propagate chives by dividing the clumps in the spring or fall. Chives are hardy and easy to grow, they come back year after year and can be harvested all year round if grown indoors.
Planting Chives
Chives prefer well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They can be planted in the ground or in pots. When planting in the ground, space the plants about 6 inches apart, just like with seeds. If planting in pots, use a well-draining potting mix and make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Watering Chives
As mentioned earlier, chives thrive in well-draining soil, and they don’t like to be waterlogged. During the growing season, they should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. However, it’s important not to over-water them, as this can lead to root rot.
A good rule of thumb is to water the plants when the top inch of soil is dry. Watering in the morning is best, as it allows the foliage to dry before evening, reducing the risk of fungal disease. In the winter, chives are dormant and require less water, so a deep watering once a month is enough. Keep in mind that chives are drought-tolerant, so don’t worry if you forget to water them for a day or two.
Fertilizing Chives
Chives don’t require a lot of fertilizer, but during the growing season, they should be fertilized every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. It’s best to use a water-soluble fertilizer and apply it according to the package instructions.
You can also use a slow-release fertilizer, this will provide the plants with a steady supply of nutrients over time. Organic fertilizers like compost, bone meal or fish emulsion can also be used.
Keep in mind that chives are not heavy feeders, so don’t over-fertilize them, as this can lead to leaf burn or other problems. If you’re not sure how much fertilizer to use, it’s always best to use less rather than more, and you can always add more if needed.
Common Pests and Diseases
Chives are relatively pest and disease-free, however, there are some common pests and diseases that can affect them. Here are a few examples:
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from chive leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To control aphids, you can spray the plants with a solution of water and dish soap, or use an insecticidal soap.
Slugs: Slugs can cause damage to chives by eating the leaves, especially during the night. To control slugs, you can use slug bait, or place copper strips around the base of the plants.
Fungal diseases: Chives can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure to provide good air circulation and avoid overwatering.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers can cause damage to chives by feeding on the sap of the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To control leafhoppers, you can use insecticidal soap.
Thrips: Thrips can cause damage to chives by feeding on the sap of the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To control thrips, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It’s important to keep an eye on your chives and to take action as soon as you notice any pests or diseases. Regularly inspecting the plants, keeping the garden clean, and removing debris can help prevent pests and diseases.
Harvesting Chives
Chives are a hardy perennial herb that can be harvested throughout the growing season. They are typically ready to be harvested in the spring but this can also be done in the fall. To harvest, simply snip the green leaves about an inch above the base of the plant. It’s recommended to cut the chives with scissors or herb snippers instead of pulling them out by hand to avoid damaging the plant.
History of Chives
Chives have a long history of use dating back to ancient civilizations. They were used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The ancient Egyptians believed that chives had the power to protect against evil spirits and used them in funerary wreaths. The ancient Greeks and Romans also believed in the medicinal properties of chives and used them to treat a variety of ailments such as indigestion and respiratory issues.
In medieval Europe, chives were considered a symbol of courage and were often given to warriors before they went into battle. They were also used to ward off evil spirits and were believed to have protective properties. In the Middle Ages, chives were also used to flavor dishes and were considered a valuable herb in the kitchen.
The Chinese and other Asian cultures used chives for both culinary and medicinal purposes. They were believed to have the power to promote good digestion and were used to treat a variety of ailments such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Throughout history, chives have been valued for their flavorful and versatile nature, as well as their medicinal properties. Today, they continue to be used in a variety of dishes and are a popular herb in many gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chives
Yes, chives will grow back after cutting, as long as they are not harvested too frequently or too extensively.
Chives are relatively easy to grow, they are hardy, resistant to pests, diseases and weather fluctuations and can be grown from seed or by dividing established clumps.
Chives are perennial herbs.
Chives should not be planted near alliums family plants such as garlic, onions, and leeks as they can cross-pollinate and affect the flavor of the chives.
Freezing chives can extend their shelf life, giving you fresh flavor all year round.
The Take-Away
As you can see, growing chives isn’t difficult at all and is a great way to have this herb in your kitchen at all times. With your own chive garden, you’ll never run out of fresh chives for cooking!
