Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a hardy perennial herb offering a mild onion flavor and attractive, edible purple flowers. Starting this herb from seed is an economical way to establish a robust patch in a garden or container. As a cool-season crop, chives are among the first herbs to emerge in spring, providing fresh flavor across multiple growing seasons.
Selecting the Right Time and Method for Sowing
The timing of sowing chive seeds depends on whether you start them indoors or directly in the garden. In cooler climates, starting seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last anticipated spring frost provides a significant head start. The ideal soil temperature for successful germination ranges from 60°F to 70°F, often requiring a heat mat or warm indoor location.
Use a sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix in trays or small containers. Chive seeds should be sown shallowly, about a quarter inch deep, or pressed onto the surface and lightly covered. Instead of planting single seeds, group four to six seeds together in each spot or cell to mimic their natural clumping growth pattern.
For direct sowing outdoors, wait until the soil is workable and the threat of hard frost has passed, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F. Sow the small clusters of seeds directly into prepared garden beds or containers, spacing them six to eight inches apart. Germination typically occurs within one to two weeks if temperature and moisture levels are consistent.
Essential Environmental Requirements for Seedling Growth
Seedlings require steady environmental conditions to transition into robust plants. Chives thrive best in full sun, needing six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If started indoors, supplemental grow lights prevent seedlings from becoming weak and leggy.
The proper soil composition is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Chives require a fertile, well-draining medium rich in organic matter. Before transplanting, incorporate compost into the garden bed to improve fertility and drainage.
Consistent moisture is important for young seedlings, but the soil must never become waterlogged, which can cause root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially for container plants. Adequate drainage is necessary, as chives are sensitive to standing water.
Managing and Maintaining Thriving Chive Clumps
When chive seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them only if they were sown too densely. If thinning is necessary, leave the strongest two to three plants per cluster to ensure proper development.
Harvesting Techniques
Harvesting encourages continuous production throughout the season. Use clean, sharp scissors to snip the outer leaves, cutting them down to about one to two inches above the soil line. Avoid cutting the central crown of the clump, as new growth originates there. Regular harvesting stimulates the plant to produce more leaves. Do not remove more than one-third of the total foliage at any single time to prevent stress on the perennial.
Fertilization and Division
Minimal fertilization is needed; a light application of a balanced fertilizer or fresh compost once in the early spring provides a nutrient boost. To maintain vigor and prevent the center of the clump from dying out, mature chive plants need division every three to four years. This is best done in early spring or autumn by gently digging up the entire clump and separating it into smaller sections, each containing several small bulbs. Replanting these rejuvenated clumps ensures the chive patch remains productive and healthy.