Introduction
Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow and one of the most rewarding for beginners.
Unlike many herbs that require careful watering schedules, specialised soil, or regular pest management, chives are remarkably forgiving.
They grow quickly, tolerate a wide range of conditions, and return year after year in suitable climates.
Their mild onion flavour makes them one of the most useful culinary herbs, while their attractive purple flowers also provide ornamental value and attract pollinators.
For gardeners seeking a low-maintenance herb that produces continuously, chives are difficult to beat.
Why Grow Chives?
Benefits include:
- Extremely easy to grow
- Suitable for beginners
- Long harvest season
- Excellent container herb
- Attractive edible flowers
- Few pest problems
- Reliable perennial growth
Unlike annual herbs, established chives can provide harvests for many years.
Chive Types (Important Choice)
Common Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Most popular variety.
Characteristics:
- Mild onion flavour
- Hollow green leaves
- Purple flowers
- Compact growth
👉 Recommended for most home gardeners.
Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)
Characteristics:
- Flat leaves
- Garlic flavour
- White flowers
- Slightly larger growth habit
Excellent for Asian cooking.
Understanding Chive Growth
Chives are perennial herbs.
Growth cycle:
Spring:
- Rapid new growth
Summer:
- Peak production
- Flowering
Autumn:
- Continued harvests
Winter:
- Dormancy or slower growth
Once established, plants become larger each year.
Climate & Seasonal Timing
Ideal Temperature Range
- 10–25°C
Chives tolerate:
- Frost
- Cool temperatures
- Moderate heat
Australia (Southern Hemisphere)
Best planting:
- Autumn
- Winter
- Spring
Northern Hemisphere
Best planting:
- Spring
- Early autumn
Sunlight Requirements
Chives prefer:
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Ideal:
- 4–8 hours daily
In hot Australian summers, afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Soil Requirements
Chives prefer:
- Fertile soil
- Good drainage
- Consistent moisture
Ideal Soil Mix
Containers:
- 50% quality potting mix
- 30% compost
- 20% drainage material
Unlike lavender and rosemary, chives appreciate richer soil.
Watering Strategy
Chives enjoy:
- Even moisture
- Consistent watering
Avoid:
- Constantly saturated soil
Rule
Water when the top few centimetres of soil begin drying.
Common Mistake
Allowing plants to completely dry out.
This reduces growth and leaf quality.
Planting Chives (Step-by-Step)
From Seed
- Sow shallowly
- Keep moist
- Germination occurs within 7–14 days
From Division (Recommended)
Established clumps can be divided.
Benefits:
- Faster results
- Larger plants immediately
Spacing
Allow:
- 20–30 cm between plants
Container vs Ground Growing
Containers
Excellent option.
Benefits:
- Easy harvest access
- Better moisture management
- Ideal for balconies
Minimum pot:
- 20–25 cm diameter
Ground Growing
Benefits:
- Larger clumps
- Greater production
- Less frequent watering
Fertilising Strategy
Chives respond well to feeding.
Recommended:
- Compost additions
- Liquid fertiliser every 3–4 weeks
Avoid:
- Excessive fertiliser
Too much feeding produces soft, weak growth.
Pruning & Harvesting
When to Start Harvesting
Once leaves reach:
- 15–20 cm tall
How to Harvest
Cut leaves:
- 2–5 cm above soil level
Use scissors for clean cuts.
Golden Rule
Harvest regularly.
Frequent cutting encourages fresh growth.
Flower Management
Chive flowers are edible.
Options:
- Harvest flowers for salads
- Leave flowers for pollinators
- Remove flowers to focus on leaf production
Propagation
Division (Best Method)
Every 2–3 years:
- Lift clump
- Separate sections
- Replant immediately
This rejuvenates plants.
Seed
Possible but slower.
Pests & Diseases
Chives are generally trouble-free.
Possible Problems
Aphids
Control:
- Neem oil
- Strong water spray
Root Rot
Cause:
- Poor drainage
Solution:
- Improve soil structure
Companion Planting
Excellent companions include:
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
Benefits:
- Improved biodiversity
- Pollinator attraction
Harvesting & Storage
Fresh Use
Best flavour when freshly harvested.
Refrigeration
Store for:
- Several days
Wrapped in damp paper towel.
Freezing
Best long-term storage option.
Advanced Growing Techniques
1. Continuous Harvest System
Maintain several clumps.
Rotate harvesting.
2. Division Schedule
Divide every few years.
Benefits:
- Higher production
- Healthier plants
3. Flower Management
Remove flowers when maximum leaf production is desired.
Common Problems (Diagnosis Table)
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| Yellow leaves | Poor drainage | Improve soil |
| Thin growth | Lack of nutrients | Feed lightly |
| Slow growth | Drought stress | Water consistently |
| Small clumps | Overcrowding | Divide plants |
| Weak flavour | Insufficient sunlight | Increase sun exposure |
FAQs
Are chives perennial?
Yes. Most chive varieties return every year.
Can chives grow in pots?
Absolutely. They are among the best herbs for containers.
How often should I water chives?
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged.
Can I eat chive flowers?
Yes. The flowers are edible and attractive in salads.
When should chives be divided?
Every 2–3 years when clumps become crowded.
Pro Tips
- Harvest frequently
- Divide mature plants regularly
- Use rich soil
- Grow several clumps for continuous supply
- Don’t be afraid to cut aggressively
Further Reading:
- Parsley Guide
- Coriander Guide
- Growing Herbs in Pots
- Beginner Herbs Guide
- Best Soil for Herbs
- Indoor Herb Garden