How to Grow Chives
Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow. They return reliably each year and produce early in the season with very little care.
Overview
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a hardy perennial in the onion family. They grow in tidy clumps and produce edible leaves and flowers.
Primary uses
Fresh cooking
Garnishes, eggs, potatoes, and sauces
Freezing and freeze-drying for storage
Common Chive Varieties
Common chives
Classic mild onion flavor
Garlic chives
Flat leaves with a light garlic flavor
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile
Water
Moderate and consistent
Climate
Cold-hardy; emerges early in spring
How to Plant (Including Companion Planting)
Start from seed, transplants, or division
When to plant
Early spring or fall
Spacing
6 to 10 inches
Containers vs ground
Grows well in both
Companion planting
Carrots
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Parsley
Grow Guide Resources
Chive seeds or plants
Containers or garden beds
Garden scissors
Hand trowel
Watering can
Plant markers
Ongoing Care (Including Fertilizer)
Water regularly during dry periods
Cut often to encourage growth
Mulch lightly to retain moisture
Compost occasionally if needed
Pests & Problems
Rare pest issues
Occasional thrips or onion maggots
Good spacing prevents problems
Harvesting Chives
When to harvest
At 6–8 inches tall
How to harvest
Cut near the base
How much
Harvest freely throughout the season
Using & Preserving Chives
Fresh use in cooking
Freezing for convenience
Freeze-drying for long-term storage
How to Preserve Herbs
How to Store Freeze Dried Herb
Recipe: Chive Scrambled Eggs (coming soon)
Gardener’s Notes
Chives perform best when harvested often. Regular cutting keeps plants tender and productive.
