Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a favorite among home cooks and gardeners due to their mild onion flavor and perennial nature. Starting this herb from seed is an economical and rewarding process. Sowing the tiny seeds often leads to questions about the correct method for successful sprouting. Understanding the specific environmental cues required to break the seed’s dormancy is the first hurdle for any gardener.
The Role of Light in Chive Seed Germination
Chive seeds are classified as positive photoblastic seeds. This means the presence of light acts as a signal to initiate germination. This requirement ensures the seed only sprouts when it is close enough to the soil surface to reach sunlight. Therefore, chive seeds should be surface-sown or covered with only a minuscule layer of planting medium. Covering the seeds too deeply, such as with more than a quarter-inch of soil, dramatically reduces the rate of successful emergence.
Essential Conditions Beyond Light
While light signals germination, temperature and moisture play equally important roles. Chives prefer cooler conditions for sprouting, with an optimal soil temperature range between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Warmer temperatures can inhibit germination, making chives ideal for early spring indoor starting. Use a sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix to prevent fungal issues. The soil must be kept consistently moist throughout the 7 to 14-day germination period, but never saturated, which can cause seed rot.
Practical Steps for Sowing and Initial Care
Sowing and Watering
When preparing to sow chive seeds, use small containers or cell packs filled with moist growing medium. Because chives grow in dense clumps, sow the seeds fairly thickly, scattering several seeds together in groups. Press the tiny seeds lightly into the surface to secure contact. Follow this with a minimal covering of fine vermiculite or a dusting of soil, no more than 1/4 inch deep. Watering requires care to prevent seed displacement; use a fine misting spray bottle or bottom watering.
Seedling Care
Once the first green shoots emerge, the light requirement shifts to a necessity for healthy growth. Seedlings require bright, consistent illumination, ideally provided by supplemental grow lights. Insufficient light causes the plants to stretch and become weak, a condition known as etiolation. Chive seedlings are ready for the next step when they have developed two or three true leaves, usually after two to three weeks. Before moving the young plants outdoors, they must undergo a “hardening off” period, gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions to prevent shock.