Chives are super easy to grow, require little maintenance, tolerate drought, and come back year after year. Edible flowers are loved by bees, make a tasty chive vinegar, look and taste great in salads, and dry well for arrangements; foliage and/or flowers add a subtle onion flavor to many dishes. Great for containers; grow indoors for year-round harvest.
Variety Info
Family: Alliaceae
Native: Europe, Asia, North America
Hardiness: Hardy perennial in USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: Spring to summer
Plant Dimensions: 12" tall, 8"–10" wide
Variety Info: Bright green, slender, hollow leaves with a mild onion flavor; pinkish-purple pom-pom flowers appear in late spring to early summer. If there were an award for "easiest herb to grow", chives would win, hands down. Once you plant chives in your garden, chances are you'll always have them. They can be easily dug up and divided if the clump gets too large. In mild climates, plants are nearly evergreen.
Attributes: Drought Tolerant, Good for Containers, Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 45°F, ideally 60°–70°F; or as late as 2 months before your average first fall frost date.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 10–15 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Growing Info
Harvesting: FOLIAGE: Cut outer spears of chives when at least 6" long, and cut back to 2" above ground level. Once or twice a season, shear plants to 2" above ground. This will keep new, tender foliage available. FLOWERS: Harvest for dried floral arrangements and meals when in full bloom.