Chives

When should I plant
When growing outdoors, direct sow 2-4 weeks before the last frost or in early fall. To growing indoors, start chives 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Chives germinate best with consistent warmth and moisture.

Site consideration
Chives do best when exposed to full sun. Choose fertile, loamy soil when plant outdoors, but you don’t want to over-fertilize, which will result in your chives having a milder flavor. Ideal soil pH is 6.0 to 7.0. Make sure the soil is well-draining whether you plant in garden beds, borders, raised beds, or containers. If planting in a container, use a pot that is at least six inches deep.

Water
Water newly planted chives during dry spells in their first summer. After they are established in the ground, they typically won't need additional watering, except during exceptionally prolonged dry spells. During dry periods, water deeply to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Plants in containers dry out more quickly, so water during the growing season to keep the compost evenly moist.

Sunlight
Chives thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. However, they may produce fewer leaves and have a weaker flavor if grown in shaded areas. For optimal growth and flavor, provide them with plenty of sunlight.

Seed Germination
For chives seed germination, sow seeds shallowly (1/4 inch) in warm (60-70°F), moist soil, keeping them consistently damp but not waterlogged, and provide light as they need it to sprout, typically appearing in 7-14 days, after which you can thin seedlings for robust growth.

Transplant
When seedlings are 6 inches tall (after frost danger passes), carefully dig them up, and gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, making sure to preserve the roots intact for healthier frowth. Plant them at the same depth in well-drained soil (8-12 inches apart), and water well, letting them settle before harvesting.

Other Elements
Fertilization
Prior to planting, mix 2 to 4 inches of organic compost into the soil to improve fertility. If necessary, apply a light amount of all-purpose fertilizer (e.g., 16-16-8) — no more than 1 tablespoon per square foot.

Weed control
Control weeds primarily with non-chemical methods such as mulching, hand-weeding, or using organic herbicides. Avoid chemical treatments, especially for small-scale or home gardens. For small areas, boiling water can also work, but for established patches, diligent digging is key.

Harvest
You can start harvesting chives once the plants have reached about 6 inches in height. This normally occurs around mid-summer, and will continue until the weather cools below freezing.
Limit harvesting during the first year to allow the plants to establish themselves fully. Use sharp scissors or kitchen shears to snip at the base, avoiding harvesting more than 1/3 of the plant at once. Harvesting regularly will promote bushier growth and ensure a continuous supply of fresh chives.

Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.

For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.

Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
  1. Improper drainage soil
  2. Sowing depth more than one inch
  3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
  4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
  5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
  6. Lack of sunlight
  7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
  8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.

 

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