Fine Leaf Chives Guide

Chives are an easy to care for herb that belongs to the onion family. Pollinators and people alike flock to the beautiful, bright blooms that pop up in clumps. Place them in your windowsill or pop them in your garden bed to receive a long harvest of herbs dense with nutrients including vitamin K, C, A, potassium, calcium, and folate!

TO SOW

Chive grows best in cool weather between 45°F-75°F. They thrive in containers and gardens. Bank on Seeds recommends transplanting.

If Direct Seeding

• Direct seed outside after last frost date; or

• Direct seed into a container 6-8 inches deep and wide anytime of the year. It can be placed outside when the temperature is between 50°F-75°F; or

If Transplanting

Begin the growing season early and start the chive seeds indoors in trays or pods 3-4 weeks before the last frost date; germination is best between 65°F-80°F. It can be transplanted outside 6 weeks later.

Sow the seeds ½ inch, 2 inches apart with rows spaced 8-12 inches apart. Germination will take 10-14 days. Chives grow well in clumps.

TO GROW

Fine Leaf chives like well-draining soil with lots of organic matter. Place in a spot where it will get full sun or partial shade. Water moderately and let the soil dry between watering. Check the top 2-3 inches of soil and if dry, then water the chives.

They prefer mulching to retain moisture and deter weeds, but you can also apply 5-10-5 fertilizer at half strength every 6-8 weeks. Another alternative is to add aged compost to the top for nutrition.

TO REAP

Chives are at full maturity in 75-85 days. Once the chives are at least 6-8 inches tall, use scissors to snip off the outer leaves from the base of the plant first. Leave 1-2 inches of stem when cutting. The flowers are also edible.

PESTS/DISEASES

Thrips, fungal diseases– avoid overwatering and watering from above onto the foliage, ensure adequate space between clumps of chives to avoid damp, humid conditions

* Companion plant chives with celery, carrots, mint, and tomatoes. Avoid planting with beans and peas. They are a great deterrent to deer. *