Organic Chive Seeds

Organic chives, which reach a height of 10 to 12 inches, are taller than grass and have thicker leaves with a hollow and pointed form that grow straight and upward. They are members of the same family as onions, leeks, and garlic. Both common (onion) chives and garlic chive seeds produce lovely pink and purple flowers, however if these blooms are clipped off as buds, they will develop even more leaves.

• Easy to grow and maintain
• Deer resistant
• Thrives in bright, sunny growing areas
• A taste similar to onion with a slight galicky note

Organic chives grow nicely in pots and beds, and they're a great addition to your herb and flower gardens. The Balkans, which include Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, and areas of southwestern Russia, are home to this plant. Chives take relatively little attention other than water and a bright, sunny area, whether indoors or out. They will return each spring as perennials, and you may need to divide the clumps and offer them to friends or continue to plant them in various places of your garden after three to four years to avoid crowding.

If sowing seeds outside, wait until the threat of frost has passed. Choose a healthy, loamy soil, but don't over-fertilize, since this can result in milder-flavored chives. Organic chives thrive in soil that is 60 to 70°F. Plant in rows with groups of seeds every four inches, or spread seeds over the soil's surface and compact them. Seeds need direct sunshine to germinate, so don't cover them with soil. In around 10 to 14 days, sprouts will appear. Plants should be thinned to one plant every four inches after they reach a height of two inches.

Simply snip off what you need after the organic chives are around 12 inches tall. Without inflicting any harm, you can clip chives down to roughly half their height. The blossoms of your chive plant can be eaten as well if it blooms.

Organic chives are high in calcium, iron, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, among other nutrients. These vitamins aid in the growth of blood cells, the maintenance of blood pressure, and the enhancement of immunity. Additionally, chives contain choline and folate, both of which have been associated with memory enhancement.

Chives have a plethora of culinary applications. Stocks, soups, salads, potato dishes, quiches, eggs, and even olive oils may all benefit from chives. Whatever you do with your homegrown organic chives, make sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process, as chives lose their taste when cooked.

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