Chives, the mildest member of the onion family (Allium schoenoprasum), can be successfully cultivated indoors, providing a fresh supply of this perennial herb throughout the year. Chives are hardy plants, making them well-suited for container gardening inside a home environment. Their ease of growth makes them a popular choice for home cooks seeking fresh ingredients. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for establishing and maintaining a thriving indoor chive plant.
Creating the Ideal Indoor Environment
Chives require substantial light to produce flavorful foliage for culinary use. Placing the container in a south-facing window is the best option, as this provides the longest duration of direct sunlight. The plant needs a minimum of six hours of bright, direct sun exposure daily.
When natural light is insufficient, supplemental lighting becomes necessary for consistent growth. Standard fluorescent shop lights or dedicated LED grow lights positioned a few inches above the foliage can effectively provide the required light spectrum. Maintaining a consistent 12 to 16-hour light cycle using these artificial sources will support robust leaf development.
Proper drainage is mandatory to prevent root rot, so the container must have several holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape freely. A pot with a diameter of at least six to eight inches provides enough space for the chives to form a healthy, harvestable clump.
Chives thrive in a well-aerated medium, so a standard, high-quality potting mix formulated for container plants is recommended. Avoid heavy garden soil, which compacts easily and restricts air flow to the roots. The ideal mix retains moisture while allowing rapid drainage.
The ideal temperature range for indoor chive production mirrors standard household comfort levels, falling between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15–24°C). Consistent temperatures within this range support continuous vegetative growth. Position the plant away from abrupt temperature fluctuations, such as cold drafts from windows or direct heat from vents.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Chives can be started from seed, but this method requires patience as seedlings develop slowly. A faster method is using a nursery starter plant or dividing an established outdoor clump. When dividing, select healthy bulb clusters and replant them directly into the prepared container.
If planting seeds, lightly cover them with soil and keep the medium consistently moist until germination occurs. Using established divisions bypasses the weeks required for seed maturation, allowing harvesting sooner. Ensure the divided clumps are placed slightly below the soil surface, similar to their original growing depth.
Maintaining the correct soil moisture level is a delicate balance, as chives prefer consistently moist conditions but cannot tolerate soggy soil. Water the plant thoroughly until water begins to drain from the bottom holes, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated. Allow the top inch of the soil to feel dry to the touch before watering again.
Chives are considered light feeders and do not require heavy or frequent applications of nutrients. During periods of active growth, a diluted liquid fertilizer can be applied once a month to replenish soil nutrients. Choose a balanced formula and apply it at half the strength recommended on the product label to prevent fertilizer burn.
Regular maintenance includes rotating the pot every few days to ensure all sides of the plant receive equal light exposure, promoting uniform, upright growth. Periodically inspect the foliage for common indoor pests, such as fungus gnats, which are often a sign of overly wet soil. Addressing any pest issues quickly ensures the plant remains healthy and productive.
Harvesting and Continued Production
Wait until the chive clump is well-established before attempting the first harvest. This is typically about 60 days after planting seeds or when the foliage is robust after division. Use a sharp pair of scissors or shears to cleanly cut the leaves for culinary use. Making clean cuts prevents damage that could invite disease.
To ensure continued production, cut the leaves one to two inches above the soil line, leaving the basal portion intact. Always harvest the outer leaves first, working inward, and never remove more than one-third of the foliage. This technique ensures sufficient leaf area remains for photosynthesis and regrowth.
While chives can often be coaxed into continuous production year-round indoors, they are naturally perennial and benefit from a period of rest to maintain long-term vigor. Providing a simulated dormant period involves reducing watering and moving the plant to a cooler location, around 50°F (10°C), for several weeks in the winter. This rest cycle revitalizes the plant for the next growing season.