Is chives a perennial or annual?

The chive plant, Allium schoenoprasum, is a member of the onion family (Alliaceae). Lavender flowers, a clump-forming habit and cold hardiness make this plant an appealing garden perennial. Its grass-like hollow leaves have a mild onion flavor and are common in salads and dips.

Do chive plants come back every year?

Clip leaves from the outer portion of the plant first, making sure not to clip all of the plant at once. If you make a mistake and cut back all of the plant, no worries. It will grow back the following year. Wait to harvest your chives when the plant is at least six inches tall.

Will chives come back after winter?

The plant will produce more abundantly in its second year and thereafter you can continue to pick at will over the course of the summer and in mild climates through the winter. In cooler regions, the plant dies back naturally until spring when the bright green blades can be seen poking up from the soil.

Do chive plants spread?

Will my chives spread? Neither onions chives nor garlic chives will spread, though the clump will get larger (like a bunching onion). However, garlic chives will reseed if the blooms are left on the plant long enough for seeds to mature and fall into the garden.

Do chives need sun or shade?

Chives like warm temperatures, but can thrive in cooler conditions as well. Chives should have 6 hours of full sun daily. Prolonged, excessive heat is not good for chives. Chives can flourish in indirect sun and partial shade.

All About Chives

Is it OK to let chives flower?

The chive plant will flower in late spring or early summer. The flowers are edible and taste best just after they have opened—they should look full and bright.

What is a good companion plant for chives?

Alliums: Chives are an Allium, so you can plant them alongside members of that same family, like onions, leeks, scallion, and garlic since they require similar care.

Do chives survive winter?

Cold-hardy herbs, such as chives, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme, can often survive cold-winter temperatures while continuing to produce flavorful foliage, as long as they are provided with some protection or grown indoors.

How long do chive plants last?

Once chives are planted, they usually continue to grow year after year. If you keep your chives in the ground, the bunches should be separated and respaced every three or four years.

How do you keep chives over winter?

Site them somewhere well-lit under cover – a cold frame, greenhouse, hoop house or even a sunny windowsill indoors are all fine. Keep an eye on their moisture levels, and make sure not to over-water. Your chives will soon sprout new leaves.

What do you do with chives in the fall?

When to cut back chives – Chives are extremely cold hardy, and will start growing in late winter or early spring. So, it's best to cut them down to the ground in late fall. You can also cut them back again after they're done blooming to promote growth.

Where is the best place to plant chives?

Chives thrive in full sun and well drained soil rich in organic matter. The easiest and most successful way of growing chives is planting rooted clumps in spring, after frost danger has passed. You can easily grow chives indoors in a bright, sunny location.

Do chives multiply?

Chives will multiply if flowers are allowed to seed out. Mature plants can be divided and transplanted every few years.

Do chives self seed?

Weedy Self-seeders

For instance chives, garlic chives and borage all shed plenty of seeds, so seedlings will pop up reliably – too reliably! Feel free to let them flower to feed the insects, but to prevent them from self-seeding be sure to clip off the spent flowers or seedheads before the seeds ripen.

Are chives Hardy?

Their narrow, hollow leaves are bright in color and they produce striking purple, feathery, round flowers in May or June. Chives are hardy to zones 3 through 10, but can be overwintered indoors in colder areas.

Are scallions and chives the same?

Chives are a completely different plant species than scallions and green onions. While green onions and scallions are considered vegetables, chives are grouped with herbs like parsley and basil. Compared to heartier green onions, chives are thinner and more fragile.

What do you do with chives when they flower?

The chive blossoms are most often used as a pretty garnish for salads and crudite platters but can be added to soups, sauces, and potato and egg dishes. Chive blossoms are also an ideal ingredient to flavor vinegar.

Can you grow chives from cuttings?

Chives don't grow well from cuttings, but they can be grown from a bulb, similar in appearance to green onions. You are most likely to find chives still attached to the bulb in the organic produce section or your local farmer's market.

What herbs grow back every year?

Should I cut back my herbs for winter?

In general, stop pruning herbs about eight weeks before the first average frost date in your area. Pruning too late in the season produces tender new growth that is likely to be damaged by winter cold. Fingernails work best for pruning most herbs, but woodier plants may require pruning shears.

Can you bring chives indoors for the winter?

Grow Chives Indoors:

Chives are one of the easiest plants to grow indoors over winter. They tolerate the lower light of the winter sun and typical temperature fluctuations that they may experience on a kitchen windowsill.

What should not be planted near chives?

Grapes, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, kohlrabi, mustard, peppers, potatoes, rhubarb, roses, squash, and strawberries all do better when growing near chives. Asparagus, beans, peas, and spinach, however, have a harder time growing when planted near chives.

Can basil and chives be planted together?

What herbs grow well with chive? When it comes to other herbs, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, and basil are good companions for chives, since they all enjoy moist soil that isn't too dry or sandy. Avoid sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, which like it drier and sandier.

Are chives invasive?

Garlic chives coming up in spring. Even though it can spread aggressively by seed, the seedlings are relatively easy to remove when young (although they can be quite numerous, so weeding may take a lot of time). This plant can be invasive under some conditions, so should be planted with care.