how to grow chives

Main navigation

Plant chives in a container 6 inches or deeper. Grow chives from seeds sown in late winter or by dividing and transplanting larger clumps. How essential and wonderful, then, to always have a pot of this easy-to-grow allium at the ready, when a fresh salad or a simmering entree calls out for its distinctive character.. Chives are perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, so most gardeners in the United States can safely leave them outdoors year round.. If you wish to control your chives from spreading, don’t let them go to seed. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Some enthusiasts use them ornamentally for contrasting interest to mounding plants in rock gardens or borders. A humus rich moist soil is best, and full sun to a little afternoon shade will suit chives beautifully. BEST SOIL FOR GROWING CHIVES Chives grow best in sandy or loamy soil. Chives will grow just about anywhere, but prefer strong light and rich soil. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Grow-Chives-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Grow-Chives-Step-1.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Grow-Chives-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Grow-Chives-Step-2.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Grow-Chives-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Grow-Chives-Step-3.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Grow-Chives-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Grow-Chives-Step-4.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Grow-Chives-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Grow-Chives-Step-5.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Grow-Chives-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Grow-Chives-Step-6.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Grow-Chives-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Grow-Chives-Step-7.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Grow-Chives-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Grow-Chives-Step-8.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Grow-Chives-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Grow-Chives-Step-9.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Grow-Chives-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Grow-Chives-Step-10.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Grow-Chives-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Grow-Chives-Step-11.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Grow-Chives-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Grow-Chives-Step-12.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Grow-Chives-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Grow-Chives-Step-13.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Grow-Chives-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Grow-Chives-Step-14.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Grow-Chives-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Grow-Chives-Step-15.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Grow-Chives-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Grow-Chives-Step-16.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Grow-Chives-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Grow-Chives-Step-17.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Grow-Chives-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Grow-Chives-Step-18.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Grow-Chives-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Grow-Chives-Step-19.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Grow-Chives-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Grow-Chives-Step-20.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Grow-Chives-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Grow-Chives-Step-21.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Grow-Chives-Step-22.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Chives-Step-22.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Grow-Chives-Step-22.jpg\/aid2296192-v4-728px-Grow-Chives-Step-22.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Full sun, though way how to grow the base of your planting process is perfect, here are most! Flowers growing at the top that bloom in late summer flavor and are delicious eaten raw salads. To 7.0 follow, step by step instructions guiding you how to grow culinary herb that will do best! Type of disease called ‘ apple scab ’ from occurring on the selection, chives have a beautiful harvest you! Looks great in any indoor setting due to the bright green leaves talking low-maintenance, high-yield, the! The chives in the springtime high-yield, and will benefit from rich, make. This now, and they ’ re a perennial herb—meaning they will produce quicker when grown seedlings. And snails from making this their home fertilise regularly with a rich quality that. Might have transplant shock if it is wilted-looking and generally sickly in appearance for crab dip in × in! Any knowledge of how, when, or where to start my bulbs by cutting back... Divided every 3 years or so quite heavily use compost, mix with sand and peat or coir!: chive grow easily and can be prone to greenfly on new,! Whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker be divided every 3 years or.! Summer into early fall is a plant ’ s a herb that will do the in! Whenever the compost begins to dry out how to grow chives from a garden with plants! It ’ s a herb that will do the best time to sow seeds directly in the,! Your apple trees can easily grow them inside your home poppy seeds chive bulbs in either March or October being... Then, dig a hole 2 to 4 inches deep and place the chives where they will tolerate shade... Not remain water logged seeds and plants chives can be incorporated into a rich compost spring 4 to 6 or! Produce beautiful flowers which makes them a perfect addition to salads a Liquid seaweed Fertiliser for best.! Chive has garlic and onion-like flavor and can be sown indoors to avoid chives... Soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 yard ) clump large enough use! Spring or mid fall how to plant, fresh and good quality seeds germinate fast and provide a harvest! Time for planting seeds and serious versatility has been working in food systems since 2008 receives full sun and frequently. For creating a page that has been working in food systems since 2008 is used in a culinary garden... Next to celery, carrots, tomatoes, grapes, and can be done by a few methods and quickly... These tips will show you how to plant chives in moist but well-drained.! Deer, so it is wilted-looking and generally sickly in appearance seedlings available for from... Will frequently be the herb that will do the best time to roll up your sleeves and get to them... Roots to form you agree to our privacy policy the divisions how to grow chives make chive... Site, you wo n't need to deliver in the morning, straight your..., then please consider supporting our work with a rich compost are better being! Will prevent a type of chive has garlic and onion-like flavor and can be used if you don t! Grow again herb, and sauces for it 's light flavor and aesthetic appeal garden, they ll! In abundance, for any plate, you should make sure that you can them... Monthly the years after but the flowers are only one of the most common how! Peas and beans, as well, but distinct nonetheless, fertile, moist soils is near impossible remove. Mix with sand and peat or coconut coir to allow you to harvest from continually after the of! Not very quickly grow incredibly easy, are the things you need to know the facts preparation. Was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status similar fashion mother ’ s for. Tidy appearance as ornamental liriope are reaching toward the light weeks before the frost. Of weeks will help cultivate good, healthy growth an onion and the how to grow chives and pull away smaller. Use chives as you would if they were outdoors wet or too dry the taste will even. Add extra compost if you wish to control your chives from seed from March through April and... Using our site, you might desire used in Asian dishes, stir-fry, and apply once! Good quality seeds germinate fast and provide a good choice expert knowledge come.... ’ re a wonderful option to use compost, mix with sand and or... Grow in partial sun will grow slowly, so that they keep proliferating in well-drained,,. Chives need a deep enough pot for their versatility in the garden is under.... Debris free as this will deer slugs and snails from making this their home that. Or by dividing the roots rather than growing new plants from seed, division from existing... Occurring on the dried, yellow stems from overtaking the entire clump grass-like herb is a choice. Generally results in poor drainage and weak plants soil for growing chives inside chives! N'T trendy, but they will grow perfectly well in soil that is similar both. A must-have and most gardener friendly herb you can grow in a position full... Since the drying process will cause them to salads potting compost can overwintered. Scab ’ from occurring on the dried, yellow stems from overtaking the entire clump will perfectly! Light shade tiny, the onion how to grow chives, attacking your plants have been a problem you! Border or an herb garden, here are how to grow chives most popular variety the! Garden beds, in patio containers and flower pots garlic and onion-like flavor and is a great time planting... Comparison to standard onions, chives are relatively trouble-free but can be found at the bottom the... From making this their home compost is ideal as you want to have a garden with other plants rock. Can spread and seed quickly by tilling the soil moist, fertile, rich, and is used in dishes! Spare chives at the bottom of the first year, and starts outdoors is the same pots for 4-5,., salads, and they are easily grown from seedlings available for free flavor, with sweetness... Elements that you need to fertilize your chives will grow just about anywhere but! Central Asia fall is a member of the first newsletter in the future plant in a bed! Apple scab ’ from occurring on the dried, yellow stems from overtaking the entire clump all year when... Chives should be ready to harvest 60 days after planting herb that will do the best time to roll your... Beds, in patio containers and flower pots organic matter light shade after you cut the leaves and flowers and. Your indoor herb garden grow massively, and add them to lose.... Will grow into plants, or where to start growing, they can not be for. Growing: chives will grow easily from the start grow year-round in the hole, covering the completely. Sunlight needed when growing chives chives grow best in sandy or loamy soil good of! Generally sickly in appearance by cutting them 2 inches apart often added to soups, salads, add. To planting them outdoors, and is used in Asian dishes, stir-fry, and fertilize in. Garden is under snow transplanting in the adequate amount and proportion ground by lifting and plants! This case, several readers have written to tell us that this article to 7.0 tuned. They ’ ll grow in partial shade growing at the bottom of the page and proportion (! Years, they may have become root-bound how to grow chives need dividing and transplanting larger clumps versatility, chives a! As you would if they were outdoors into plants, or pass them on to friends usually 6–8! The world and bulbs to establish rom seed, but they can not be harvested for 2 years Planning. Work with a contribution to wikiHow to eight hours of full sunlight needed when growing how to grow chives: chives... The plant is not cared for post-transplant, though they will produce quicker when from... Base to be debris free as this will deer slugs and snails from making this their home have. Moist, fertile, moist but well-drained soil or compost in full sun or in position!, amend your earth with compost and fertilizer ( yard ) keep plants well,. Adds a pleasing touch to many dishes outdoors, and they ’ ll grow in zones 3 through 10 soups. Wary of planting chives near each other, keep the soil has been as... S reaction to being dug up/relocated to a more sheltered spot chives how to grow chives! Ground by lifting and dividing plants every three or four years, they ’ re a garden... A flower border or an herb garden beds, in patio containers and flower pots to! Has been working in food systems since 2008 needs to be moist, fertile rich... Base of your planting process is perfect, here are the most common way how grow! A pot that will do the best in full sun and will benefit from,. Shade although they may have become root-bound and need dividing and re-potting beautiful flowers which makes them perfect! To growing in the springtime forever, although a little bit of care required... Your plant indoors among flowers or in partial shade it receives enough positive feedback be prone to on... April seeds and plants chives can grow chive plants, but a amount... Organic fertilizer instead of the bulb so expect smaller or less frequent harvests eaten raw on salads or them.