Chives Seeds

Chives Seeds

Chives have been around for more than 3,000 years and originally come from China. They are known by several names, such as pipe leek, onion grass, or cutting leek — all old names for this herb, which belongs to the onion and garlic family. It is a perennial and hardy plant. In July and August, it produces beautiful blue-purple flowers that are also edible. This well-known, almost simple plant is often underestimated. Chives repel insects (such as aphids) in the vegetable garden and even have medicinal properties. And let’s not forget the mild onion flavor you can enjoy almost all year round. A plant truly worth growing.

How to Sow Chives

You can sow chives from March in moist, fertilized soil at a depth of about 1.5 cm (0.6 inch). Sow the seeds close together to get a nice, full plant. Chives can grow in partial shade. When harvesting, cut the stems about 3 cm above the ground — this prevents dry stems from growing among the fresh green ones. Water regularly, as chives do not like to dry out. The plant grows to about 30 cm tall.

Indoors, you can start sowing from mid-February. Sow the seeds a bit closer together and sprinkle a thin layer of soil over them. The seeds will germinate within about 3 weeks. If it takes longer, place the pot outside under a shelter; the cold will actually stimulate growth.