How Do You Plant Chives?

Growing Chives: A Perennial Herb Worth Your Time

If you’ve never grown chives before, let me tell you—they’re the herb equivalent of a reliable old friend. Easygoing, flavorful, and always there when you need them. Plus, they’re one of the simplest plants to cultivate, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

Choosing the Right Spot

Chives thrive in a sunny location, so give them a spot where they’ll soak up at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. That said, they’ll tolerate partial shade, though their growth might be a little less exuberant.

The soil? It should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. I once made the mistake of planting chives in a heavy clay patch, and while they didn’t die, they sulked. A quick fix of compost mixed into the soil made all the difference.

Planting Chives from Seed

If you’re starting from seed, don’t rush it. Chive seeds are tiny, and they need warmth to germinate. Aim for temperatures between 60-70°F. For best results, start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.

• Fill a seed tray or small pots with moist, well-drained potting mix.
• Sow seeds thinly, about 1/4 inch deep. Cover lightly with soil.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—think damp sponge, not soaked towel.

Germination usually takes 10-15 days. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, you can move them outdoors after hardening them off.

Planting Chives from Starts or Divisions

Want something quicker? Buy chive starts from a nursery or divide an existing plant. I’ve divided clumps of chives as old as 8 years, and they’ve bounced back beautifully.

To divide, dig up a clump in early spring or fall. Use a sharp knife or your hands to split it into smaller sections, each with roots attached. Replant the divisions about 8-12 inches apart and water them in well.

Caring for Your Chive Patch

Chives are fuss-free, but they’ll reward you if you give them a little attention. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Their shallow roots can dry out quickly.

Every spring, sprinkle some compost or a balanced organic fertilizer around the base of the plants. This keeps them lush and productive.

Did you know? Chive flowers are edible and add a mild onion flavor to salads. Plus, they’re a pollinator magnet!

Pruning and Harvesting

Harvesting chives is as simple as grabbing a pair of scissors and snipping. Cut leaves about 1-2 inches from the soil level, leaving enough so the plant can regrow. Trust me, the more you harvest, the more they’ll produce.

Remove the flower heads once they start fading to prevent the plant from self-seeding all over your garden. Unless, of course, you want a surprise chive invasion next year.

Overwintering Chives

If you’re in a colder climate, don’t worry—chives are hardy perennials. They’ll go dormant in the winter but come roaring back in spring. Mulch with straw or leaves for extra protection if temperatures dip well below freezing.

For year-round harvests, pot up a few plants in the fall and bring them indoors. Place them on a sunny windowsill, and you’ll have fresh chives even in the dead of winter.

Why Grow Chives?

Chives aren’t just a garnish. They’re an herb with character—onion-like but milder, versatile in the kitchen, and ridiculously resilient. Plus, their flowers add a touch of whimsy to your garden beds.

Once you’ve grown them, you’ll wonder what took you so long. Trust me, chives are one of those plants that earn their place in every garden.

Once the tiny grass-like seedlings appear, remove them from the propagator or uncover, then place in a warm bright location to grow on. cover with a thin layer of vermiculite, then water gently. place in a heated propagator or cover with a clear plastic bag and place somewhere warm to germinate.