Species chives
Thin, green leaves, spherical purple flowers and hollow green stems.

chives

Allium schoenoprasum

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are an amazing addition to any garden. Their flat leaf blades make an attractive display of green throughout the growing season, and the bright purple flowers from mid-summer through fall attract butterflies and honeybees. Besides adding a splash of color to the garden, chives also serve a culinary purpose. The leaves are an essential ingredient for many dishes, offering a mild onion flavor and a hint of garlic. Chives can also be used to make delicious sauces, salads, spreads, and even a delightful chive cream cheese spread. Not only do they jazz up your cooking, they are packed with vitamins and minerals like potassium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K! So get those chives planted and reap the benefits of this garden wonder.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Purple Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Soil:

Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

purple Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Chives, or Allium schoenoprasum, need regular watering to keep them healthy and lush. They should be watered lightly but frequently, about every 3-4 days during the summer, and every 5-7 days in the winter. When you water, make sure the soil is damp but not flooded. Give the plants enough water so that it reaches the crown of the plants, and ensure that any puddles that form on the surface of the soil are not allowed to sit. It's important to keep an eye out for any signs of dehydration in chives. If the leaves begin to wilt or discolor, increase the amount of watering to every 2-3 days. It's also important to note that chives need a well-drained soil, as they can suffer from root rot in wet, boggy environments.

sunlight

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) thrive with plenty of direct sunlight. They should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day during the spring and summer. During the fall and winter, when hours of daylight are shorter, 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight is ideal. To ensure that the plant's foliage does not become scorched from too much sun, the plant can be moved to a partially shaded area during the hottest part of the day in areas with high temperatures and intense summer sunlight.

pruning

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) should be pruned annually in early spring before new growth begins. Using sharp shears, cut the plant back about 1/3 of its current height. Pruning is necessary to promote vigorous growth and prevent chives from becoming crowded and disheveled. Be sure to remove any dead or damaged growth in order to ensure healthy new growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Chives typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Allium schoenoprasum (chives) typically begins in May and continues through August.

Starts Flowering

Chives typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Allium schoenoprasum (chives) typically begins in May and continues through August.

Hardiness Map