How to grow chives at home easily

Chives is a species of flowering plant that produces edible leaves and flowers. Other similar plants of the same genre are onions, garlic, shallot, leek, scallion and Chinese onion. However, chives are different from scallions and green onions. While green onions and scallions are grouped under vegetables, chives come under the category of herbs in the same way as parsley and basil.

Table of Contents

Essentials

Growing chives is easy and only requires a few supplies. Chives are one of the easiest and most versatile herbs to grow. Chives are beautiful and easy-to-grow plants that can add color and life to any home. All you need is a pot, some potting soil, and a chive seed. For the gardener who wants to add a touch of whimsy to their yard, chives are the perfect plant.

With their delicate, lacy leaves and dainty flowers, these charming plants add a touch of fairy-tale magic to any garden. But while they may look fragile, chives are actually quite easy to grow. With a little care and attention, anyone can enjoy the beauty of these delightful plants.

They can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups, and they are a perennial plant, meaning they will come back year after year with minimal care.

Chives snipped from your herb garden is more fragrant

Planting

Chives are a member of the onion family and have a mild onion flavor. Seeds should be sown in late winter or early spring. Chives can be grown from seed, but it is easier to start with a small bunch of plants. To grow chives, start with a healthy plant. When planting chives, be sure to choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.

However, they do tolerate full sun if given enough water. While planting, be sure to space the bulbs about six inches apart. When planting chives, it is best to start with a young plant or lady finger from a nursery or garden center.

To plant, simply dig a small hole and place the chive plant inside. Once established, chives need very little attention and will produce an abundance of tasty herbs for your kitchen.

Soil

Chives prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. They can be grown in most types of soil, although they prefer well-drained soil. Chives do not require much fertilization, but they will benefit from occasional applications of compost or manure.

Chives prefer full sun but will also do well in partial shade, and they can be grown in both pots and gardens. Chives do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from an occasional feeding of compost or other organic matter. Chives are not heavy feeders, so there is no need to fertilize them heavily. A light application of compost or manure will suffice.

Watering chives

Once they are in the ground, water them generously and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Chives are also tolerant of drought, although they produce more flowers if they are given adequate moisture. One way to ensure that chives receive enough moisture is to plant them in an area that receives afternoon shade.

Flowering chives

Once established, chives spread rapidly and need to be divided every few years to prevent them from becoming overcrowded. Once the plants are established, they start flowering quickly and easily. When harvesting chives, cut the stalks about an inch above the ground.

Chives can be used fresh or dried, and they keep in a cool, dark place for several months. Though they are often associated with the winter holidays, chives also bear flowers year-round, given proper care.

Propagation

Chives can also be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. Divisions should be made in early spring or fall, while cuttings can be taken at any time of year. In fact, propagation is easy and only requires a few simple steps. With a little patience and attention, anyone can enjoy the beauty of chives in their own home.

To propagate chives, simply take a cutting from a healthy plant and root it in water or moist soil. Within a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted into the ground. With a little care, chives will thrive and provide you with beautiful flowers and delicious fruit for many years to come.

Irritation to pets

Chives can be invasive and may cause irritation to pets if they eat the wrong parts of the plant. If you have pets, it is best to grow chives in containers.

Black aphids. Source: wikicommons. Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pests and diseases

Not many pests and diseases affect this plant. However, black aphids are the most commonly reported pest that affects chives plants.

How to grow chives, in a nutshell

The first step to growing chives is to find a location that gets plenty of sunlight.

The second step is to till the soil and remove any rocks or debris.

The third step is to plant the seeds. Once the seeds have germinated,

The fourth step is to thin out the seedlings so that they are spaced evenly apart.

The fifth and final step is to water regularly and fertilize when necessary. With a little care, your chives will thrive and add beauty to your garden.

Benefits of chives

Chives contain choline and folate which are linked to the enhancement of memory functions. Eating foods with a considerable amount of choline in them shows better results on cognitive tests than those who consume less or no choline in their foods.

Since chives are rich in antioxidants, consuming these vegetables helps in fighting cancer and in improving heart health. The chives also help in detoxifying the body and enhance skin health.

Allicin, another important component present in chives helps in reducing bad cholesterol and maintaining steady blood pressure levels.