Chives
Allium schoenoprasum · Amaryllidaceae
📷 H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Bulbes et feuilles peuvent endommager les globules rouges des chiens et surtout des chats ; le risque dépend de la quantité ingérée, crue ou cuite.
The gardener's calendar
It's peak harvest for chives: pick regularly and at the right stage to boost production and extend the season.
ID card
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Type
- Perennial bulbous plant
- Adult height
- 20 to 30 cm
- Flowering
- May to June
- Foliage
- Deciduous, semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
- Origin
- Temperate regions of Europe and Asia
- Edibility
- Yes, leaves and flowers
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Chives will choke themselves if you don't harvest them: pick the leaves regularly once they reach 15 cm. This rejuvenates the clump and encourages new shoots.
The common mistake
Letting them flower intensely then neglecting harvest: the plant weakens and becomes sparse.
The pro's trick
Pinch off the flowers as soon as they appear if you want maximum foliage.
Seasonal watch
Spring-summer: slugs and snails love those tender young shoots.
Care
Sunlight
Place chives in full sun for vigorous growth and better flavor development. They tolerate partial shade, but produce less foliage. Choose a bright location with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. In pots, check soil moisture and adjust according to the season. Avoid excess water that promotes bulb rot.
Soil
Prefer well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Add compost in spring to enrich the soil. Plant bulbs 5 cm deep, spaced 15 cm apart.
Pruning and harvesting
Harvest outer leaves regularly by cutting at the base to encourage continuous production. Pinch flowers as they appear if you want to maximize leaf production. At the end of the season, leave some flowers for reproduction and beauty.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. If the plant lacks vigor, a light application in summer boosts production. Avoid excess nitrogen, which weakens flavor.
Pests and diseases
Chives are generally very resistant. Watch for aphids early in the season and treat with soapy water if necessary. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew in humid, confined conditions. Bulb rot only occurs with prolonged water stagnation.
Did you know?
Chives have been cultivated since ancient times, particularly in China where they symbolize wealth and prosperity. In the Middle Ages, they were renowned for their medicinal and culinary properties in Europe and appeared in every monastery garden. Their delicate purple flowers, edible and decorative, made them popular with modern chefs who use them as a refined garnish.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- RamsonsAllium ursinum
- Sand leekAllium scorodoprasum
- Elephant garlicAllium ampeloprasum
- OnionAllium cepa
- Belladonna lilyAmaryllis belladonna
- Allium senescensAllium senescens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.