How To Grow Chives: A Beginner Friendly Guide

Author: Saiqa Najeeb
Last Updated On: June 27, 2023

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Have you ever imagined growing your own fresh chives in your backyard garden or on your balcony? Imagine the fresh, flavorful taste of homegrown chives on your favorite dishes – from baked potatoes to omelets, salads, and more.

But how to grow chives? Well, growing chives is easier than you might think and can be done almost anywhere, whether you have a large outdoor garden or just a small balcony. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of growing chives, from choosing the right soil to harvesting your first batch. So, let’s get started and learn how to grow chives like a pro!

About Chives

Chives are a popular herb that belongs to the onion family and are a common ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. These slender, green, and onion-flavored stalks are not only delicious but also easy to grow, making them a perfect addition to any kitchen garden.

Why You Should Grow Chives Now?

– Rich in nutrients: Chives are packed with essential nutrients like vitamin K, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron.

– Low maintenance: Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow and require very little care.

– Pest-resistant: Chives are naturally pest-resistant, making them an ideal plant for organic gardeners.

– Adds flavor to dishes: Chives can be used in various dishes to add flavor, texture, and color.

Discover the Varieties of Chives

– Common chives: This is the most common variety of chives with thin, tubular leaves that grow up to 20 inches long.

– Garlic chives: Also known as Chinese chives, this variety has flat, wide leaves with a mild garlic flavor.

– Siberian chives: This variety has a subtle onion flavor and delicate purple flowers.

– Staro chives: This is a hybrid variety of chives with a strong flavor and thick leaves.

Now that you know the benefits and varieties of chives, let’s dive into the steps you need to follow to grow them successfully.

When Should You Plant Chives?

Chives are hardy perennials that can be planted either in the fall or the spring. However, the best time to plant chives is in the early spring, once the soil has started to warm up. If planting in the fall, make sure to do it at least four weeks before the ground freezes.

Where Should You Plant Chives?

Chives prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure, but they can also tolerate partial shade. They grow well in containers and raised beds, making them a perfect choice for small gardens and balconies.

How to Prepare Your Soil for Chives?

Before planting chives, it is important to prepare the soil. Chives prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Here are the steps to prepare the soil for chives:

Remove any weeds and debris from the planting area.
Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches using a garden fork or tiller.
Mix in compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
Rake the soil smooth, removing any large clumps or rocks.

Step by Step Guide for Planting Chives

1 Planting Chives in a Container

Choose the container: Choose a container that is at least 8 inches deep and 6-8 inches wide with drainage holes.
Fill the container: Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix.
Plant the chives: Plant the chive seedlings or transplants in the container, spacing them 6-8 inches apart.
Water the plants: Water the plants well after planting and keep the soil evenly moist.
Fertilize the plants: Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

2 Planting Chives in Raised Beds

Choose a raised bed: Select a raised bed with a minimum depth of 8 inches. The width and length can vary based on your available space.
Position the raised bed: Place the raised bed in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Prepare the soil: Remove any weeds or grass from the area where the raised bed will be placed. Loosen the soil and remove any rocks or debris.
Fill the raised bed: Fill the raised bed with a mixture of well-draining soil and compost. Aim for a ratio of 2 parts soil to 1 part compost.
Plant the chives: Dig small holes in the soil mixture, spacing them 6-8 inches apart. Gently place the chive seedlings or transplants into the holes and cover the roots with soil.
Water the plants: Water the chives thoroughly after planting, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Maintain regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

3 Planting Chives in the Ground

Select a planting location: Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade and has well-draining soil.
Prepare the soil: Remove any weeds or grass from the planting area. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Mix in compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
Dig planting holes: Dig small holes in the prepared soil, spacing them 6-8 inches apart. The holes should be deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the chive seedlings or transplants.
Plant the chives: Gently place the chive seedlings or transplants into the holes and cover the roots with soil. Ensure the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.
Water the plants: Water the chives thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and ensure good root-to-soil contact. Maintain regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

How to Care for Chives?

Watering:

– Chives prefer evenly moist soil. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells or hot summer months.

– Avoid overwatering, as chives can be susceptible to root rot. Ensure that the soil has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

– Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilization:

– Chives are relatively low-maintenance and don’t require heavy fertilization. However, a light application of balanced organic fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth.

– Alternatively, you can top dress the soil with compost or well-rotted manure annually to provide a slow-release source of nutrients.

Mulching:

– Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of chives can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

– Mulching also adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down, enriching its fertility over time.

Division and Propagation:

– Over time, chives tend to form clumps that can become overcrowded. Dividing the clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or fall can rejuvenate the plants and promote healthier growth.

– Carefully dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each division has roots attached. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil.

Common Pests and Diseases of Chives

Onion Maggots

– Onion maggots are small, white maggots that feed on the roots of chives and other allium plants.

– Signs of infestation include wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing foliage.

– To prevent onion maggots, use floating row covers or apply insecticidal soil drenches containing beneficial nematodes.

Aphids

– Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the new growth of chives.

– They suck the sap from the leaves, causing distortion, yellowing, and stunted growth.

– Use a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.

Thrips

– Thrips are slender insects that feed on chive foliage, causing silvering or bronzing of the leaves.

– They are tiny and can be difficult to detect.

– Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control thrips infestations.

Fusarium Basal Rot

– Fusarium basal rot is a fungal disease that affects chive plants, causing rotting at the base.

– Infected plants may exhibit wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth.

– To prevent Fusarium basal rot, ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering, and practice crop rotation.

How Long Does it take to grow Chives?

Chives typically take about 60 to 80 days to reach maturity from the time they are planted as seeds or transplanted as young plants. However, it’s important to note that the growth rate can vary depending on various factors such as climate, growing conditions, and cultivar. Regularly harvesting the chives can also encourage new growth and a fuller plant.

Tips for Harvesting and Storing Chives

Harvesting:

– Begin harvesting chives when the leaves reach a height of 6-8 inches.

– Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the leaves at the base. Avoid pulling or tearing the leaves.

– Harvest the outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to continue growing.

– Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth and helps prevent the chives from flowering too quickly.

Timing:

– Harvest chives in the morning when the leaves are at their freshest and most flavorful.

– Avoid harvesting chives during or immediately after rainfall, as the moisture can dilute the flavor and make the leaves more susceptible to spoilage.

Storage:

– Fresh Chives: To keep chives fresh, place the harvested leaves in a container or plastic bag with a damp paper towel. Store in the refrigerator, and they should stay fresh for up to a week.

– Freezing: Chop the chives into small pieces and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for longer-term storage. Frozen chives can retain their flavor for up to six months.

– Drying: Air-drying chives is another option. Hang bunches of chives upside down in a well-ventilated area until they are fully dried. Once dry, store the leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dried chives can retain their flavor for up to a year.

Culinary Use:

– Chives are best used fresh or added near the end of the cooking process to preserve their delicate flavor.

– They can be chopped and used as a garnish for soups, salads, omelets, potatoes, and other dishes.

– The purple flowers of chives are also edible and can be used as an attractive garnish or added to salads.

There you go!

Now you have the answer to: “How to grow chives?” Growing chives can be a rewarding and flavorful addition to your garden or container. With their delightful onion-like taste and versatile culinary uses, chives offer a fresh and aromatic touch to your dishes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully cultivate chives and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

So, why not today? Whether you choose to plant chives from seeds, transplants, or in raised beds, the process is relatively simple and the rewards are plenty. Imagine the satisfaction of snipping fresh chives from your own herb garden and enhancing your favorite recipes with their vibrant flavor.

So, get your hands dirty, unleash your inner gardener, and experience the joy of growing chives firsthand.