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Chives Microgreens

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

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Chives Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 microgreen →

Zone Map

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Chives Microgreens · Zones 4–8

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

SpacingDense sowing, 1 tablespoon per 10x20 tray

SoilFine seed starting mix or soilless medium

pH6.0-7.0

WaterKeep consistently moist, mist 2-3 times daily

SeasonPerennial

FlavorMild onion flavor, fresh and aromatic

ColorDeep green with white base

Size2-3 inch thin grass-like shoots

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – 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

Store freshly harvested chives microgreens immediately in the refrigerator at 35-40°F with high humidity. Place them in a sealed container lined with slightly damp paper towels, which maintains moisture without creating condensation. Properly stored chives microgreens maintain quality for 5-7 days, though flavor peaks within the first 3 days.

For preservation, gentle dehydration works best—spread microgreens on dehydrator trays at 95°F for 2-4 hours until crisp. Store dried microgreens in airtight containers away from light for up to 6 months. Freezing is less ideal as it destroys the delicate cellular structure, though frozen chives microgreens can be used in cooked applications like soups or egg dishes. For immediate use, pack in ice water for 10 minutes to crisp up any wilted stems before serving.

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, classic rose companion

Lettuce

Compatible growing conditions and chives deter aphids that attack lettuce

Peppers

Chives repel aphids and may enhance pepper growth

Brassicas

Chives deter flea beetles and cabbage worms from brassica crops

Strawberries

Chives improve strawberry flavor and repel harmful insects

Parsley

Compatible herbs with similar growing requirements

Keep Apart

Beans

Chives may inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation

Peas

Alliums like chives can stunt pea growth and development

Asparagus

Chives may compete aggressively and inhibit asparagus spear 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

Generally disease resistant

Common Pests

Fungus gnats, thrips (indoor growing)

Diseases

Root rot if overwatered

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do chives microgreens take to grow?▼

Chives microgreens typically take 12-18 days from seeding to harvest. Germination occurs within 3-5 days, followed by 9-13 days of growth under lights. The exact timing depends on temperature, light intensity, and growing conditions. Harvest when stems reach 1-2 inches tall with fully opened cotyledons and a noticeable mild onion aroma.

Can you grow chives microgreens without soil?▼

Yes, chives microgreens grow excellently in soilless mediums like coconut coir, vermiculite blends, or hydroponic mats. These alternatives often provide better drainage and reduce disease risk compared to traditional potting soil. Use coconut coir mixed with vermiculite (70/30 ratio) for optimal water retention and aeration. Soilless growing also makes harvesting cleaner and easier.

What do chives microgreens taste like compared to mature chives?▼

Chives microgreens offer a milder, more delicate onion flavor than mature chives, with a fresh, aromatic quality that's less pungent. The tender texture makes them perfect for garnishing delicate dishes where full-strength chive flavor might be overwhelming. They provide the same basic flavor profile but concentrated into tender, grass-like shoots that add both taste and visual appeal.

Are chives microgreens good for beginners?▼

Chives microgreens are considered moderate difficulty, making them suitable for beginners who have successfully grown easier varieties like radish or pea shoots first. They require more attention to watering and lighting than beginner-friendly options, but their disease resistance and no-soak requirement make them manageable. Start with a small tray to learn their specific needs before scaling up production.

Do chives microgreens need special lighting?▼

Chives microgreens require 12-14 hours of daily light but should avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate leaves. Full-spectrum LED grow lights positioned 12-18 inches above work best, or place near bright, indirect natural light like a north-facing window. Insufficient lighting results in leggy, pale microgreens with poor flavor development.

Can you regrow chives microgreens after cutting?▼

No, chives microgreens cannot regrow after cutting because you harvest the entire above-ground portion including the growing point. Unlike mature chives that regrow from their bulbs, microgreens are harvested at the cotyledon stage before true leaves develop. For continuous harvest, start new trays every 5-7 days to ensure a steady supply of fresh microgreens.