Herb Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 3 - 9
- Height: 12 inches
- Bloom Season: Spring
- Bloom Color: Lavender
- Environment: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Rich, well-drained, pH 6.2 to 6.8
- Deer Resistant: Yes
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 70F
- Average Germ Time: 7 - 21 days
- Light Required: No
- Depth: 1/8 inch
- Sowing Rate: 1 - 2 seeds per inch
- Moisture: Keep moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: Rows 18 inches a part; thin seedlings 6 - 8 inches
Chives (Allium Schoenoprasum) - Great for dressing up potatoes and spicing up salads, Chives are easy-to-grow from herb seeds, and their lavender flowers make an attractive clump or edging in gardens. Chives are a must-have kitchen herb and are perfect for almost any savory dish. Chives' fine, tubular leaves add a delicate onion flavor to cooking. They also make a nice garnish too with flowerheads that can be used! The flowers have an even milder onion flavor. As soon as the leaves have reached several inches in height, you can start harvesting the desired amounts for the kitchen. Cut the leaves with scissors, leaving 1 - 2 inches above the ground. Begin at the outside edge of the plant and work toward the center. Chop the leaves and use fresh or freeze for year-round use.
Beyond cooking with chives, the plants are great garden companion plants to repel insect pests. Plant Chives near almost any plant that is bothered by insect pests and the Chives will instantly drive them away.
After danger of frost, sow Chives herb seeds in open ground well exposed. Cover Chive seed 1/8 inch with loose soil. Keep moist until germination. Regular cutting helps keep plants vigorous and healthy and encourages spreading. Keep flowers picked to discourage dormancy in warm weather. Divide clumps every 2-3 years.
Approximate Seeds Per Ounce: 25,000
