Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a popular, mild-flavored perennial herb belonging to the onion family, valued for their delicate flavor in cooking. They return reliably year after year with minimal effort. While mature plants are often purchased, growing chives from seed is a rewarding and cost-effective method. This guide provides the necessary steps to successfully germinate chive seeds and establish a healthy, long-lasting herb patch.
Preparing the Environment for Sowing
Timing is the initial decision point for successful chive cultivation. Gardeners often start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the average date of the last expected frost. Starting them early provides a substantial head start on the growing season, resulting in a quicker and earlier harvest once they are moved outside.
Alternatively, direct sowing outdoors is possible once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up consistently. The optimal soil temperature range for chive seed germination is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C and 21°C). Sowing directly into the garden eliminates the need for later transplanting.
A fine, sterile seed-starting mix is recommended because it provides the light, airy texture necessary for small seeds to germinate without resistance. Heavy garden soil should be avoided, as it can compact easily and inhibit root establishment and efficient water percolation.
Appropriate containers must be chosen to manage moisture levels effectively. Seed trays, small pots, or biodegradable peat pots are suitable options, provided they possess adequate drainage holes. Proper drainage prevents the growing medium from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to fungal diseases like damping-off.
Techniques for Successful Seed Sowing
Chive seeds benefit from a brief pre-soak in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting. This process helps soften the seed coat, promoting quicker and more uniform water absorption, which can hasten the germination period.
Unlike many other herb seeds, chives should be sown in small clusters rather than individually spaced. Placing three to five seeds together mimics their natural growth pattern, forming dense clumps of foliage. These clusters should be spaced about six to eight inches apart if planting directly into a container or garden bed.
Chive seeds require only a very shallow covering of the growing medium. The recommended planting depth is minimal, typically no more than one-quarter of an inch. Deeper planting can prevent the small seedlings from successfully pushing through the soil surface. After the seeds are covered, gently press down on the soil surface to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
The initial watering immediately after sowing must be handled with care to avoid disturbing the newly situated seeds. Using a fine-misting spray bottle or employing a bottom-watering technique is the preferred method. Bottom watering involves placing the container in a shallow tray of water, allowing the mix to wick up moisture slowly until the surface becomes visibly damp.
Post-Germination Care and Transplanting
Once the tiny chive shoots emerge, usually within one to two weeks, they require bright light exposure. If started indoors, placing the seedlings directly under a dedicated grow light system prevents them from stretching (etiolation). The light source should be kept just a few inches above the tops of the seedlings to maximize photosynthetic efficiency.
Maintaining consistent moisture and a moderate temperature is necessary throughout the seedling stage. The soil should remain evenly damp, but must never be allowed to become saturated or completely dry. The ambient temperature should stay stable between 60°F and 70°F (15°C and 21°C). Avoid placing seedlings near cold drafts or direct heat sources.
Before moving indoor-started chives outdoors, they must undergo hardening off. This involves gradually introducing the seedlings to outdoor conditions, starting with short periods in a sheltered location and slowly increasing their exposure to sun and wind over seven to ten days. This acclimatization strengthens the plant and reduces the shock of transitioning from a protected environment.
The chive clumps are ready for final transplanting when the foliage reaches four to six inches high and the danger of frost has passed. When moving the seedlings, transplant the entire clump as a single unit, maintaining the original cluster of plants. These established clumps should be set into the garden at the same depth they were growing in their starting container to minimize transplant shock and encourage continued, robust growth.