Chives

Category: root-veggies

Growing

  • 📍 Zone: 3-9
  • 🌞 Sun: Full sun (can tolerate partial shade)
  • 💧 Water: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
  • 🌱 Soil: Slightly acidic, fertile, well-drained soil

Planting

  • 📏 Spacing: Ensure plants are not too crowded; space clumps about 6-12 inches apart
  • 📅 When To Plant: Can be planted anytime during the growing season; best in spring or fall for transplants or divisions
  • 🌱 Propagation: From seed or by dividing mature clumps
  • ⬇️ Depth: Plant seeds or divisions at a shallow depth, about 1/4 inch deep
  • 🤝 Companion:
    • 0: Carrots
    • 1: Celery
    • 2: Tomatoes
    • 3: Peas
    • 4: Lettuce
  • 🚫 Avoid Planting Near:
    • 0: Beans
    • 1: Peas
    • 2: Asparagus
    • 3: Spinach
    • 4: Broccoli
    • 5: Nightshades
    • 6: Strawberries

Care & Maintenance

  • ✂️ Pruning: Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor; regularly trim to encourage new growth
  • General: Remove flower heads if you don’t want self-seeding; mulch to retain moisture

Harvesting & Usage

  • ⏰ When To Harvest: Harvest several times a year, once plants are established and about 6 inches tall
  • ✋ How To Harvest: Cut leaves down to the base using scissors or a sharp knife, leaving about 1 inch above soil level to encourage regrowth
  • 🥫 Preservation: Can be dried or frozen for later use

Ecological Info

  • 🐝 Pollinators: Flowers attract butterflies and bees
  • 🦌 Wildlife Resistance: Deters many pests and is a beneficial companion plant
  • 🌿 Nitrogen Fixer: No