Chives are a popular culinary herb, valued for their mild onion-like flavor and versatility in various dishes. They add a fresh, subtle zest to everything from salads and soups to eggs and baked potatoes. Their ease of cultivation also makes them a favorite among home gardeners, allowing for a continuous supply of fresh herbs.
The Nature of Chive Growth and Propagation
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are hardy perennial herbs that grow in dense clumps from small, elongated bulbs. These bulbs cluster closely together, forming a robust root system from which hollow, tubular leaves emerge. Over time, these clumps naturally expand, creating larger masses of foliage.
Chives primarily propagate through two natural methods. They propagate through seeds, produced after flowering in late spring to early summer. They also spread through the division of underground bulbs, which multiply and form new plantlets.
Understanding Chives and Cuttings
While many herbs propagate from stem cuttings, chives do not readily root this way. Unlike plants with woody stems that form roots from detached sections, chives grow from a basal plate and small bulbs. A simple stem cutting, consisting only of green foliage, lacks the necessary root-forming structures. Therefore, growing chives from cuttings is not a practical or recommended propagation method.
Practical Methods for Growing Chives
More effective methods for growing chives include starting them from seed or dividing established plants. Seeds can be sown indoors four to six weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors once the soil is workable. Chive seeds germinate best in soil temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C) and sprout within 7 to 14 days. A thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep, should cover the seeds, and consistent moisture is important for successful germination.
Dividing established chive plants is an effective and preferred method for propagation. This rejuvenates older clumps and provides new plants. The best time for division is early spring or fall when plants are not actively growing. To divide, gently dig around an existing clump, lift it, and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each has a portion of the bulbs and roots. These divisions can then be replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 6 inches apart, to establish new patches.
Caring for Established Chive Plants
Once chive plants are established, they require minimal maintenance to thrive. They prefer full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Chives grow best in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Consistent moisture is important, so water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, particularly during dry spells.
For harvesting, snip the outer leaves with sharp scissors about 1 to 2 inches above the soil line. This encourages continuous new growth and maintains vigor. Regular harvesting, or cutting back foliage, also prevents the plant from becoming too dense and stimulates further leaf production.