home Minnesota Gardening for Beginners Home
   
site map
home > plants > chives zone map glossary
 

Chives

Chives are grown for their round hollow grass-like tops. They have pinkish-purple blossoms that make them a good choice for an ornamental garden. They are a good border plant. They are native to China.

Planting
Chives can be propagated by dividing existing clumps or from seed. To divide a clump, shear it, dig it up, and pull or cut it into three to six new plants. Replant the divisions, water and fertilize them, and they soon will be producing new leaves. The clumps can be divided throughout the growing season.

If using seed, direct seed the plants in their permanent growing location, or start them indoors. Chives florish with little care.

Tips
To maintain the flavor as long as possible, the the flowers should always be cut off.

In the fall you can put clumps in pots and bring them indoors over the winter.

Chives are good in omelettes, scrambled eggs and in all sorts of salads. They can be chopped up very finely and sprinkled over cooked new potatoes.

 

 

  
 

Latin Name: Allium schoenoprasum
Type:
hardy perennial
Soil:
rich and well-drained with pH over 6.5
Light:
full to partial sun
Height: 18"
Spacing: 12"
Pests: onion maggots