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Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly'

A stunning ornamental chive variety that produces vibrant purple-pink flower globes above slender, hollow green stems throughout the growing season. Unlike common chives, Purly offers exceptional flower production and color intensity, making it perfect for edible landscaping, cut flower arrangements, and pollinator gardens. The edible flowers and mild onion-flavored leaves provide both culinary value and garden beauty in one reliable perennial package.

Harvest

60-75d

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

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly' in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly' · Zones 4–8

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing8-12 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil

pH6.0-7.0

WaterModerate, consistent moisture preferred

SeasonCool season for best growth

FlavorMild onion flavor in leaves, flowers have delicate onion-floral taste

ColorBright purple-pink flowers with medium green foliage

SizeClumping habit, 12-15 inches tall and wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
Zone 7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	—	May – 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 chive leaves store best wrapped in damp paper towels inside plastic bags in the refrigerator, lasting 7-10 days. For flowers, place stems in water immediately and refrigerate for up to 5 days—they're quite perishable.

Freeze-dry chopped leaves in ice cube trays with water or olive oil for convenient cooking portions. Unlike many herbs, chives freeze beautifully without blanching and retain much of their flavor for 6 months. For dried preservation, hang small bundles in a dark, well-ventilated area, though 'Purly' loses significant flavor when dried compared to freezing. The flowers can be frozen in ice cubes for drink garnishes or dried for potpourri, though they lose their vibrant color when preserved.

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 help deter carrot fly and other root pests

Roses

Chives repel aphids and black spot fungus that commonly affect roses

Brassicas

Chives deter cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other crucifer pests

Apple trees

Chives help prevent apple scab and repel aphids from fruit trees

Lettuce

Chives improve lettuce growth and flavor while deterring aphids

Peppers

Chives repel aphids and may enhance pepper growth and disease resistance

Strawberries

Chives deter slugs and aphids while potentially improving berry flavor

Keep Apart

Beans

Alliums can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation by legumes

Peas

Chives may stunt pea growth and interfere with beneficial soil bacteria

Asparagus

Strong onion family plants can inhibit asparagus spear development

Nutrition Facts

Calories

23kcal(1%)

Protein

3.15g(6%)

Fiber

1.6g(6%)

Carbs

2.65g(1%)

Fat

0.64g(1%)

Vitamin C

18mg(20%)

Vitamin A

264mcg(29%)

Vitamin K

415mcg(346%)

Iron

3.17mg(18%)

Calcium

177mg(14%)

Potassium

295mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Very hardy with few disease issues

Common Pests

Thrips, onion flies, aphids

Diseases

Rust, downy mildew in wet conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly' take to grow from seed?▼

From seed, 'Purly' chives take 60-75 days to reach first harvest size, but don't expect full ornamental impact until the second growing season. The first year focuses on root establishment, with modest flower production. By year two, you'll see the abundant purple-pink blooms this variety is known for.

Can you grow Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly' in containers?▼

Yes, 'Purly' chives excel in containers 8 inches deep or larger with drainage holes. Use quality potting mix and place containers where they receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. Container plants may need more frequent watering and bi-weekly liquid fertilizing during growing season, but flower production remains excellent.

What's the difference between 'Purly' chives and regular chives?▼

'Purly' produces significantly more flowers with deeper purple-pink color compared to common chives' sparse, pale pink blooms. The flowers are larger and more globe-shaped, making them superior for both ornamental use and culinary garnishing. Leaf flavor remains similar, but 'Purly' offers better visual impact in gardens.

When should I plant Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly' seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last spring frost, or direct sow in early spring 2-3 weeks before last frost when soil temperature reaches 50°F. Fall planting works in zones 6-9, sowing 6-8 weeks before first hard frost to allow root establishment before winter dormancy.

Is Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly' good for beginners?▼

Absolutely. 'Purly' chives are extremely forgiving and virtually maintenance-free once established. They tolerate poor soil, drought, and neglect while still producing. The main beginner challenge is patience—resist over-harvesting the first year and you'll be rewarded with years of reliable production.

Do 'Purly' chive flowers keep blooming if you don't cut them?▼

Yes, unlike many flowering herbs, 'Purly' continues producing new flower stems even if you don't deadhead spent blooms. However, removing faded flowers does encourage even more prolific blooming and prevents excessive self-seeding. Each flower globe can bloom for 2-3 weeks before fading.