How to Grow & Harvest Chives
Chives are a drought tolerant, cold hardy perennial that belong to the allium family along with onions, leeks and garlic. They grow in clumps from underground bulbs that produce round, hollow spiky leaves that get about 10-12 inches long. Their round, mauve flowers appear in early summer and are best removed when faded to prevent rampant self seeding.
Instructions
- Start seed indoors about 8 weeks before last frost date (mid-March in Manitoba) and transfer outside when soil warms in mid May.OR 👇🏼
- Divide existing growth in early spring. Dividing clumps every 3 to 4 years is actually beneficial and will rejuvenate plants.
- How to Harvest: cut leaves 2-3 cm (1 inch) from ground
- When to Harvest: harvest from spring to fall, although they will grow more slowly in the heat of summer
- Best Way to Preserve: best frozen, can be dried, but flavor and color fade quickly. Read Cutting and Preserving Chives.
Video
Notes
Special notes: Remove dead blossoms to prevent self-seeding – read more about Pruning Chive Blossoms or use them to Infuse Vinegar or make Chive Blossom Biscuits.