This perennial member of the onion family is simple and easy to grow, returning year after year, and attracting bees and butterflies to its pretty pink blooms. Chives are an essential addition to the herb garden.  These are your traditional onion chives, perfect for baked potatoes, soups, fish, salads and many more savory dishes.  Wispy tubular stems make way to the beautiful purple flowers that are common of the allium family.  Both the greens and the flowers are edible, though the greens are most commonly used.  Chives are ideal for edging paths and borders and also make an excellent companion plant, deterring pests such as carrot root fly. Height: 40 cm (16”). Spread: 30 cm (12”).

Growing Instructions:

Chives are a perennial herb that can be grown from seed or from clumps of established plants. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer, depending on your climate. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep, spaced 2.5-5cm (1-2”) apart in rows spaced 15-30cm (6-12”) apart. Keep soil moist and cool to promote germination, which typically takes 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 15cm (6”) apart when they are 5-7cm (2-3”) tall. Chives prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Chives can be harvested as soon as the leaves are several inches tall, typically within a few months of planting. Cut leaves as needed, leaving about 2.5cm (1”) of growth above the soil. Chives will continue to grow back after cutting.

Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil pH: 6.0-7.0. Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep. Germination: 7-14 days. Height at Maturity: 20-30cm (8-12”) tall. Days to Maturity: 60-90 days. Watering: Keep soil moist and cool. Chives prefer consistent watering throughout the season. Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade. Spacing after Thinning: Thin seedlings to 15cm (6”) apart.