Chives are by far the easiest herb to grow in the home garden. They can be easily started by seed indoors or outdoors. Plant chive seeds about 1/4” in wet soil. Chive seeds will germinate best indoors in a dark spot until they begin to sprout. Then move to a location where they get some sun. Chives do well in soil temperatures 60-70 degrees. When the chives reach 6” tall they are ready to be transplanted to the garden. Find a location that has strong sunlight and rich soil, but will survive and almost any area. If you decide to directly sow chive seeds into the garden be sure to wait till after the last frost. The seeds may be slow to germinate until the soil warms up. Harvesting chives is just as easy as growing them. Once they reach 1 foot tall they are ready to be used. Cut o as much as you need. It is safe to cut o as much as half of the chive without harming the plant. The flowers the chives produce are edible as well and can be added to your salad or decoration of many meals.
Suggested Varieties:
Original – A wide plant that has an excellent onion flavor.
