Chives originated in Italy as a vegetable. They are now a common, easy to grow, perennial herb with a multitude of uses. Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and some parts of North America, chives are a member of the mint family. Their fleshy, bell-shaped leaves are long and thin with a strong aromatic odor. Propagation of chives is easy, and the plant grows well in a number of containers and borders.
Growing chives in containers is straightforward. Most varieties can be started from seed. Keep in mind that there is no set depth or growing period for this herb; however, if you plan to plant them in the garden, you must ensure they have plenty of sunny, dry, well-drained soil. Clay soils tend to dry out quickly, requiring re-potting every year. Pots should be firm but not heavy, as it’s best if the soil is somewhat looser than it was when it was new. Loose soil allows chives to take up as much light as they need without becoming too crowded.
Planting herbs in pots also allows you to move them around to different areas of the garden if you wish. Planting herbs in large pots will limit their growth, so choose a spot on the lawn or garden bed that is free of traffic. If at all possible, plant chives near a tree or water feature as they will enjoy being close to water and shade.
When it comes to harvesting your crop, the best time to harvest is in the spring after the chive plants have flowered. Harvest them right before their leaves turn dark. This ensures that the majority of the essential oils have been extracted. You can use a spade to dig up your plants or hire a hoe to do it for you.
Growing chives in a container is a great way to have your herb garden anytime you want! Just clip the tops of the herbs to your windowsill, along with any desired height, then plant them inside. You can place them on a window sill, in the kitchen, on a patio, or any place you can think of. Just be sure that you remove the bulbs from the pots before the first frost falls.
Cauliflower and onion bulbs can be planted in small pots as well, along with your chives. Alliums and bulbs are very hardy plants that can stand strong droughts and frequent heat. Many of these bulbs will even withstand frequent watering.
Be careful about watering your bulbs and alliums. The smaller the herb you’re growing, the less moisture they require. Bulbs and onions need only be watered once a week while chives will need twice a week watering.
When it’s time to planting your bulbs or alliums, it’s a good idea to place them about one inch deep. This will give them room to root, so they don’t take over. Then you’ll want to carefully spread out the chives around your planting area. Place some seeds, about the size of a half cup of dry peat, into each hole. Then, you’ll want to lightly cover the seedlings with more soil, so that the roots get the best of the soil.
After the seeds are planted, you’ll want to water them just like you would grow chives in pots indoors. However, be sure not to drown them. Watering regularly will keep your herb growing healthy.
A little practice will go a long way when it comes to growing chives in containers. After planting, make sure you water the area thoroughly, watering about once a week. You’ll also want to check to see if the chives begin to bud, if they do, you’ll want to plant them deeper. Sow chive seeds indoors about twelve inches deep.
When the bulbs start to die back, remove them and report them. Repotting them helps them grow roots deeply, therefore, they are less likely to die back. Be sure to keep your growing chives pots clean, no matter how often you plant them, because dirt can choke the life out of your onions.