Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a popular perennial herb prized for their delicate onion flavor and slender, hollow leaves. They are one of the first herbs to emerge in the spring, providing a consistent culinary yield. This member of the onion family is favored by gardeners due to its ease of cultivation and ability to thrive in various conditions. Understanding the timeline for establishment is key, as the time it takes to harvest depends heavily on the planting method.
Initial Growth Timeline from Seed
Starting chives from seed represents the longest pathway to a sustained harvest, as the plant must progress through its entire life cycle. Chive seeds typically require a warm, moist environment, with germination occurring within 7 to 14 days when soil temperatures are consistently between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the grass-like seedlings emerge, they need to be thinned to allow for proper clump development.
The initial growth phase requires patience while the small seedlings develop a robust root system and sufficient foliage. A first, light harvest can generally be taken about 60 to 90 days after germination. To ensure the plant establishes a strong, healthy perennial clump, it is recommended to wait until the second year before taking a substantial harvest. Restricting the harvest in the first season allows the underground bulbs to fully mature and store energy for future growth.
Establishing Chives from Divisions or Transplants
For gardeners seeking a faster yield, starting with pre-established plant material, such as divisions or nursery transplants, significantly shortens the timeline. Divisions are clumps of mature chive plants separated from a larger patch, already possessing a developed root structure and bulbs. Transplants are young plants purchased in small pots that are already actively growing.
When planting divisions or transplants, the focus shifts from initial development to root integration within the new soil. This process is quick, allowing the plant to begin producing usable leaves almost immediately. Gardeners can expect to take their first harvest within 30 days of planting, provided the weather conditions are favorable. This method bypasses the slow seedling stage, offering a nearly instant culinary reward.
Environmental Factors That Affect Growth Rate
While the planting method dictates the initial timeframe, several environmental conditions can accelerate or impede the growth rate of chives. Chives are cool-season growers that thrive when temperatures are moderate, ideally between 39 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat can cause the plant to slow growth and potentially go dormant until cooler weather returns.
Sunlight is a primary factor, with chives preferring a location that receives full sun, though they tolerate partial shade. Plants grown in low-light conditions tend to produce thinner, weaker leaves and take longer to reach a harvestable size. Soil must be well-drained and fertile, ideally rich in organic matter, to support the bulbous root system. Consistent moisture is also necessary; water stress from dry soil will slow growth considerably, extending the time between harvests.
Harvesting and Regrowth Cycles
Once a chive plant is mature and established, it enters a continuous cycle of harvesting and regrowth. The plant’s perennial nature means that cutting the leaves stimulates the underlying bulbs to produce new shoots. This process allows for multiple yields from the same plant in a single year.
To maintain vigorous regrowth, the technique involves using sharp scissors to cut the leaves down to about 1 to 2 inches above the soil line. Avoid removing more than two-thirds of the foliage at any one time, as the remaining leaves are necessary for photosynthesis and energy production. Under optimal conditions, including adequate moisture and sunlight, the plant will produce a fresh flush of harvestable leaves within approximately three to four weeks after a cutting. This reliable recovery rate allows for continuous, repeated harvests from spring until the first hard frost.