How to Grow Chives: The Complete Guide (2024)

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Chives grow best in full sun, though they will tolerate light shade. Ideally, the soil should be moist, fertile, and well-draining.Before planting, incorporate 4 to6 inches of well-composted organic matter. Work compostinto the soil to a depth of6 to8 inches. (Read more aboutsoil amendments and preparing the soil for planting.)

When to PlantChives

• Chives are considered a cool-season crop, meaning they grow best in the spring and fall. The harsher temperatures of summer usually causethem to go dormant until cool weather arrivesagain.
• For a head start in colder regions, start chiveseeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. (See local frost dates.)Transplants need good growth before being set in thegarden.
• Outdoors, sow seeds as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. They can take a few weeks to germinate, so don’t panic!For the best germination and growth, the temperature of the soil should be between 60º and 70ºF (15º and21ºC).
• Plant transplants outdoors once the threat of frost haspassed.

How to PlantChives

• Sow seeds about 2inches apart and no more than ¼ inch deep. Cover with a thin layer ofsoil.
• Once seedlings emerge, thin them so that plants are spaced between 4 to6 inches apart in alldirections.

How to GrowChives

• Minimal care is needed for fully grown, establishedplants.
• Although chives are drought tolerant, it’s important to give them consistent wateringthroughout the growing season for high yields. Moisten the soil thoroughly whenwatering.
• Chives’ small bulbs grow near the soil surface, souse mulch to conserve moisture and keep the weedsdown.
• For good production, top-dress with a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer in late spring or early summer if your soil is not alreadynutrient-rich.
• After the flowers bloom, remove them so that the seeds aren’t spread throughout yourgarden.
• Remember to divide the plants every 3 to 4 years in the spring. Chives are much more productive if divided regularly. Divide them into clumps of at least 10 small bulbs and allow divided plants to grow for several weeks beforeharvesting.

• Garlic chives, to add a mild garlic flavor to anydish

How to HarvestChives

• Begin harvesting chive leavesabout 30 days after you transplant or 60 days afterseeding.
• Be sure to cut the leaves down to the base when harvesting (within 1 to2 inches of thesoil).
• Harvest 3 to4 times during the first year. Insubsequent years, cut plants backmonthly.
• The chive plant will flower in late spring or early summer. The flowersare edible and taste best just after they have opened—they should look full andbright.

How to StoreChives

• Use chives when they’re fresh or frozen (freeze the leaves in an airtight bag). Dried chives lose theirflavor.
• Store chives in a cool place in a resealablecontainer.

Catherine Boeckmann