Chives Seeds

Growing to about 10 to 12 inches tall, chives typically grow taller than grass and have thicker leaves that grow straight and upward with a hollow and pointed shape. They belong to the same family as onions, leeks, and garlic. Both common (onion) chives and garlic chives seeds produce beautiful pink and purple flowers respectfully, but will grow more leaves if these flowers are pinched off as buds.

• Thrives in bright, sunny areas
• Perennial herb that can be planted indoors or outdoors
• Versatile and tasty
• Offers an onion-like taste, much more mild than regular red or yellow onions

Growing well in containers and beds, chives make a wonderful addition to both your herb and flower garden. This herb is native to the Balkans, an area that includes Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, and parts of southwestern Russia. Chives require very little care beyond water and a good, sunny location, indoors or outdoors. As a perennial, they will come back each spring and in three to four years you may even need to divide the clumps and give them to friends or continue to plant in other parts of your garden.

Wait until the threat of frost has passed if sowing chive seeds outdoors. Choose fertile, loamy soil, being careful not to over-fertilize, as this can result in chives with a more mild flavor. Chives perform best in soil with temperatures of 60 to 70°F. Plant in rows with groups of seeds about every four inches, or scatter your seeds onto the surface of the soil and compress. Don't cover seeds with soil, as they require direct sunlight to germinate. Sprouts will start to form in about 10 to 14 days. Once plants are two inches tall, thin to one plant every four inches.

Once chives are about 12 inches tall, simply snip off what you need. You can cut chives down to about half their height without causing any harm. If your chive plant starts to flower, the flowers can be eaten as well!

Chives are an excellent source of calcium, iron, phosphorous, sulfur, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These vitamins help in blood count increase, maintaining blood pressure, and increasing immunity power. Additionally, chives contain choline and folate which are both linked to improving memory functions.

The culinary uses of chives are endless! Add chives to stocks, soups, salads, potato dishes, quiches, eggs, and even olive oils. However you choose to enjoy your home-grown chives, be sure to add them at the end of your meal preparation, as chives lose their flavor when heated.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for chives seed, see the Chives Seeds Planting Guide.