{"id":496,"date":"2023-01-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=496"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:38:18","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:38:18","slug":"how-to-grow-chives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Chives &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Chives.png\" alt=\"chives plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nChives, which are known botanically as \u00a0Allium Schoenoprasum, are a type of herbs that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing chives as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Chives\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Chives\">Best Time to Plant Chives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/#How_to_Plant_Chives_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Chives the Right Way\">How to Plant Chives the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Chives\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Chives\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Chives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/#How_Much_to_Water_Chives\" title=\"How Much to Water Chives\">How Much to Water Chives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Chives_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Chives to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Chives to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/#When_to_Harvest_Chives\" title=\"When to Harvest Chives\">When to Harvest Chives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/#What_Can_Chives_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Chives Be Used For?\">What Can Chives Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/#Can_Chives_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Chives Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Chives Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-chives\/#Are_Chives_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Chives Safe for Bees?\">Are Chives Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Chives\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Chives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the chiv seeds early spring 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when chives are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Chives_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Chives the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing chives in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your chives grow. Generally, your soil should be \u00a0fertile, moist but well-drained soil. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 7.0.<\/p>\n<p>12&#8243; apart. 6&#8243; apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about \u00a0.25&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your chiv seedlings \u00a0thin or transplant plants to 6 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Chives\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Chives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your chives. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your chives should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Chives\"><\/span>How Much to Water Chives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your chives do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your chives begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Chives_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Chives to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your chives grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 15-21 days to germinate, and a total of 110-125 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Chives\"><\/span>When to Harvest Chives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your chives is any time after the leaves have grown to about six inches tall.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Chives can grow up to about 10-15 inches in height.\u00a0.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Chives_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Chives Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> Use to season salads, omelettes, and\/or soups!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Delicate garlic flavor.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Chives_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Chives Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you will ideally need a  12&#8243;+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your chives around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Chives_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Chives Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, chives are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing chives is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chives, which are known botanically as \u00a0Allium Schoenoprasum, are a type of herbs that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing chives as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Chives This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the chiv seeds early spring 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when chives are most likely to thrive in your area, see <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":373,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,233,232],"tags":[86,22],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/496"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=496"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/496\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":826,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/496\/revisions\/826"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=496"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=496"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=496"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}