Chives
Ready to harvest
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a neat, clump-forming perennial onion relative with mild, oniony leaves and edible purple flowers.
What it's used for
It can be snipped over salads, eggs and potatoes. The flowers make a pretty, mild garnish or infused vinegar. Chives can also be used to repel insects!
Grow your own at home
Chives are low-maintenance, and can easily be grown in any reasonable soil, sun or partial shade. Be sure to divide clumps every few years.
It’s best sown in spring, ideally March or April.
The leaves can be snipped throughout spring and summer, and the flowers in early summer.
Our planting guides are designed to help you get the best from your fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Every garden is unique, so growing conditions, weather, soil, and climate can affect results. Use this information as a helpful guide, and adapt it to suit your local conditions and gardening experience. Happy growing!
