Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a perennial herb with a delicate onion flavor and are easy to cultivate. This member of the Allium family is cold-tolerant and reliably returns each spring, making it a garden staple. Understanding the correct planting depth is fundamental to successful establishment, ensuring robust growth and consistent harvests. The appropriate technique depends on whether you are starting with seeds or dividing an existing clump.
Site Preparation Before Planting
Selecting the right location is key for chives. Chives perform best in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight daily), though they tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. The soil must be fertile and well-draining to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
Before planting, loosen the existing soil to a depth of six to eight inches. Incorporating four to six inches of aged compost or other organic matter will improve both drainage and fertility. Chives thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment, maintaining a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Planting Depth Based on Starter Type
The correct planting depth differs between seeds and divisions. Chive seeds must be sown very shallowly, typically no deeper than one-quarter to one-half inch below the soil surface. This shallow placement ensures the tiny seeds have access to warmth and light for successful germination.
Plant chive seeds in small clusters, spacing these groups six to eight inches apart. Once seedlings emerge and develop true leaves, thin them to allow the strongest plants to mature into a dense clump.
When planting divisions or sets—small clumps separated from a mature plant—the depth must accommodate the existing root structure. Divisions should be planted so the root crown, where the white bulb transitions into the green shoots, rests just at or slightly below the soil line. Burying the crown too deeply can cause moisture accumulation, potentially leading to rot and inhibiting new shoot development. Each division should be spaced eight to twelve inches apart to allow room for the clump to expand.
Initial Steps for Chive Establishment
After planting seeds or divisions, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Consistent moisture is necessary during the establishment phase, especially for newly sown seeds, which require continuously moist soil to germinate.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely until new growth is visible. Applying organic mulch helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperature, benefiting root development. For the first few weeks, monitor the chives and protect them from intense mid-day sun or cold snaps while the root systems take hold.