HeirloomContainer OK

Common Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

Compared to Staro, Purly has a more upright plant habit with a slightly straighter leaf. Edible Flowers: Pull the florets apart and sprinkle on salads, dips, sauces, soups, stir-fries, and pizza. Great as an addition to potato salad. Flavor is of mild, sweet onion.

Harvest

75-85d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

4–8

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-18 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Common Chives in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 allium →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Common Chives · Zones 4–8

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing6-8 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, tolerates poor soils

pH6.0-7.0

WaterModerate, drought tolerant once established

SeasonPerennial

FlavorMild, delicate onion flavor with a slight sharpness

ColorBright green hollow leaves with purple flowers

Size1/8 inch diameter leaves, 8-12 inches tall

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	July – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	July – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	July – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	June – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	June – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	May – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	April – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	April – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 5 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

3-valved capsule opens in summer to disperse many seeds

Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh chives store best in the refrigerator, lasting 7-10 days when wrapped loosely in damp paper towels inside a plastic bag. For optimal flavor retention, avoid washing until ready to use, as excess moisture accelerates deterioration.

Freezing preserves chives' flavor remarkably well—simply chop fresh leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with a little water, then transfer frozen cubes to freezer bags. This method maintains their bright flavor for up to 6 months. Alternatively, flash-freeze chopped chives on a baking sheet before storing in freezer containers.

For year-round seasoning, dry chives by hanging small bundles in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Once crispy (5-7 days), crumble leaves into airtight containers. While dried chives lack the punch of fresh ones, they're excellent for soups and cooked dishes. The edible flowers can be frozen in ice cubes for elegant drink garnishes or dried for herbal teas.

History & Origin

Origin: Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Diseases, Drought, Humidity, Wet Soil
+Attracts: Pollinators
+Wildlife value: Flowers attract pollinators
+Low maintenance

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Chives repel aphids and may improve tomato flavor and growth

Carrots

Chives deter carrot fly and other root pests while improving carrot flavor

Roses

Chives help prevent black spot and aphids on roses, classic companion pairing

Cabbage

Repels cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests

Lettuce

Chives deter aphids and slugs while providing natural pest control

Strawberries

Helps repel slugs, ants, and aphids that commonly attack strawberry plants

Peppers

Deters aphids and may enhance pepper growth and flavor

Parsley

Compatible herbs that don't compete and may mutually enhance growth

Keep Apart

Beans

Chives can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation

Peas

Alliums can stunt pea growth and interfere with their development

Asparagus

Chives may inhibit asparagus spear development and overall plant vigor

Nutrition Facts

Calories

30kcal(2%)

Protein

3.27g(7%)

Fiber

2.5g(9%)

Carbs

4.35g(2%)

Fat

0.73g(1%)

Vitamin C

58.1mg(65%)

Vitamin A

218mcg(24%)

Vitamin K

213mcg(178%)

Iron

1.6mg(9%)

Calcium

92mg(7%)

Potassium

296mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169994)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent disease resistance

Common Pests

Aphids, thrips (rarely problematic)

Diseases

Very disease resistant, occasional rust in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do chives take to grow from seed?▼

Chives take 75-90 days to reach harvestable size from seed, though you can begin light harvesting once plants reach 6 inches tall. Germination occurs in 7-14 days under proper conditions (60-70°F), but growth is initially slow. For faster results, start with transplants or divisions, which provide harvests in just 30 days.

Can you grow chives in containers?▼

Absolutely! Chives are excellent container herbs, requiring only 6-8 inches of pot depth and good drainage. Use a pot at least 8 inches wide to accommodate their clumping growth. Container chives can be brought indoors during winter in cold climates, providing fresh herbs year-round on a sunny windowsill.

Are chives good for beginner gardeners?▼

Chives are perfect for beginners due to their forgiving nature and low maintenance requirements. They tolerate poor soil, irregular watering once established, and have excellent disease resistance. The biggest challenge is patience during the initial growing phase, but once established, they're virtually foolproof.

What do chive flowers taste like?▼

Chive flowers have a mild, sweet onion flavor that's more delicate than the leaves. The purple globe flowers separate into individual florets that add beautiful color and subtle onion taste to salads, soups, and garnishes. Harvest flowers just as they fully open for the best flavor and texture.

When should I divide my chive plants?▼

Divide chive clumps every 3-4 years in early spring, just as new growth emerges but before active growing season begins. Signs your chives need dividing include reduced vigor, smaller leaves, or clumps becoming so dense that centers start dying out. Each division should have roots and several shoots attached.

Do chives come back every year?▼

Yes, chives are hardy perennials that return reliably each spring in zones 3-9. They'll die back to the ground after hard frost but emerge again when soil temperatures warm in spring. In mild winter areas, they may remain evergreen and provide harvests year-round.