Chives

Planting chives

Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly in early spring. Established clumps can be divided and replanted in spring or fall.

Planting details

• Germination often takes 2 to 3 weeks
• Spacing: 6 to 12 inches per clump
• Divide crowded clumps every 3 to 4 years

Growing requirements

Chives take full sun to light shade and average soil. Once established they handle dry spells, though steady moisture keeps the leaves tender and productive.

Harvesting and care

Snip leaves a couple of inches above the soil and the clump regrows. Remove flower stalks if you do not want self-sown seedlings, or leave the purple blooms for bees.

Common mistakes

• Letting flowers set seed unchecked, since chives self-sow freely
• Pulling single leaves, which is slow; cutting whole tufts regrows cleaner
• Heavy feeding, which softens growth and dulls flavor

Companion plants

Carrots, tomatoes, and roses are classic chive neighbors. The clumps stay compact and rarely crowd their partners.