Chive Plants

Outdoor Growing

• Chives can be planted in the garden as seeds or as clumps divided from mature plants. They should be planted in the spring, in April or May in most areas, after the soil has warmed but before hot weather arrives. Choose an area that receives plenty of sun, although chives will grow in partial shade if necessary. Plant in well-drained soil that has been amended with natural organic matter, such as leaves and compost. Chives have a clumping habit and can be grown in tight quarters, but should be about 4 to 6 inches apart. Seeds can be sown in a small area and the plants later thinned to 4 to 6 inches apart. Water regularly, letting the soil dry slightly between each watering.

Indoor Growing

• As long as they receive adequate sunlight, chives will grow well indoors in pots. The key to successful indoor growing is to choose a pot that will allow proper drainage. In addition, the soil should be loose and well-drained. Most houseplant potting soils will work well. Place the chives in a sunny location, but out of direct sunlight and heat. Keep the soil moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Chives grown indoors may die back during winter months, but will return to full health in the spring.

Harvest

• Chives can be harvested during the summer and fall as needed. Use sharp scissors to cut away the long, hollow leaves, making the cuts at the base of the plant near the soil. Small or newly planted chives can be harvested up to four times a year. Large chive plants should be harvested monthly to keep the plant vigorous and healthy.

Problems

• Chives are relatively problem-free and grow easily, but they are susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The most common pests to attack chives are thrips and root maggots. Thrips live and feed on the leaves, eventually killing them. They can be controlled with insecticides. Root maggots live in the soil and eat both the roots and the bulbs, eventually killing the chives. They can be controlled through the use of diazinon granules in the soil. Pink root and downy mildew are the diseases most likely to affect chives. Fungus causes both diseases and can be controlled through crop rotation and the use of fungicides.