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Red Carpet Chives

Allium schoenoprasum 'Red Carpet'

A stunning ornamental chive variety that produces masses of vibrant rose-red flowers above dense clumps of slender green foliage. Beyond its beauty, this perennial herb offers the same mild onion flavor as regular chives, making it both a gorgeous garden accent and a useful culinary herb. The flowers are edible and make beautiful garnishes.

Harvest

75-90d

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 Red Carpet Chives in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 allium →

Zone Map

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Red Carpet Chives · Zones 4–8

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Very easy

Spacing8-12 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, tolerates various soil types

pH6.0-7.0

WaterModerate, drought tolerant once established

SeasonCool season perennial

FlavorMild onion flavor in leaves, flowers have delicate onion taste

ColorRose-red to deep pink flowers, green foliage

SizeIndividual flowers 1/2 inch, in rounded clusters

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 Red Carpet Chive leaves stay crisp for 7-10 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Wrap clean, completely dry leaves in slightly damp paper towels, then place in perforated plastic bags in your crisper drawer. Avoid washing until ready to use, as excess moisture causes rapid deterioration.

For longer storage, freezing works exceptionally well. Chop clean leaves into desired sizes and freeze in ice cube trays with a small amount of water or olive oil. These frozen cubes maintain their flavor for up to 8 months and can be added directly to hot dishes.

Drying preserves the onion flavor beautifully. Bundle small amounts of stems and hang in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Properly dried chives retain their color and potency for up to one year when stored in airtight containers. The vibrant flowers can also be dried for use in herb blends and teas, though they're best enjoyed fresh as garnishes.

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 rust flies and other soil pests

Roses

Natural pest deterrent against aphids and may reduce black spot disease

Cabbage

Repels cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests

Peppers

Chives deter aphids and may improve pepper growth and flavor

Strawberries

Helps repel slugs and aphids while potentially enhancing fruit flavor

Lettuce

Provides pest protection without competing for nutrients

Apple Trees

May help prevent apple scab and deter aphids from fruit trees

Keep Apart

Beans

Alliums can inhibit nitrogen fixation and growth of legumes

Peas

Chives may stunt pea growth and interfere with nitrogen fixation

Asparagus

Alliums can inhibit asparagus growth and development

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

Very disease resistant, rarely troubled by pests or diseases

Common Pests

Occasionally aphids, generally pest-free

Diseases

Crown rot in poorly drained soils

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Red Carpet Chives take to grow from seed?▼

Red Carpet Chives take 75-90 days from seed to first harvest, with germination occurring in 10-14 days under proper conditions. Plants started indoors in late winter can be transplanted after the last frost and will be ready for light harvesting by mid-summer. Once established, they provide continuous harvests throughout the growing season.

Can you grow Red Carpet Chives in containers?▼

Yes, Red Carpet Chives excel in containers and make stunning patio plants. Use pots at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide with excellent drainage holes. The compact growth habit and colorful flowers make them perfect for decorative containers, and you'll have fresh chives right outside your kitchen door.

What's the difference between Red Carpet Chives and regular chives?▼

Red Carpet Chives produce vibrant rose-red flowers instead of the typical purple blooms of regular chives, and they form denser, more compact clumps ideal for ornamental use. The flavor is identical—both offer the same mild onion taste in leaves and flowers. Red Carpet varieties are specifically selected for their superior garden performance and visual impact.

Are Red Carpet Chives good for beginners?▼

Absolutely—Red Carpet Chives are among the easiest herbs for beginning gardeners. They're extremely forgiving, rarely bothered by pests or diseases, and actually prefer minimal care once established. The biggest beginner mistake is overwatering or over-fertilizing, so they're perfect for gardeners still learning restraint.

When should I plant Red Carpet Chives?▼

Plant Red Carpet Chives in early spring after soil can be worked, or in fall 8-10 weeks before hard frost. For indoor seed starting, begin 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. In mild winter areas (zones 8-10), fall planting is often preferred as it allows plants to establish during cooler weather.

Do Red Carpet Chive flowers come back every year?▼

Yes, Red Carpet Chives are true perennials that return each spring in zones 3-9, often with larger, more prolific flower displays as clumps mature. The plants may self-seed, creating new plants nearby. For best flowering, divide established clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.