The chive, scientifically known as Allium schoenoprasum, is a hardy perennial herb that grows from small bulbs, forming dense, grass-like clumps. Division is a necessary practice used both to propagate new plants and to revitalize older clumps. Separating the root-bound clusters ensures the herb remains productive, yielding a continuous supply of fresh foliage. This prevents the plant from becoming overly crowded, which reduces its vigor.
Recognizing When Chives Need Dividing
The need for division is signaled by a decline in the plant’s health and output. As the bulbs multiply, they compete intensely for moisture and nutrients, causing the clump to become overly tight. This competition often results in a decrease in the thickness of the leaves, indicating reduced vigor.
A classic visual cue for overcrowding is when the center of the chive clump begins to die out, resulting in a distinct, circular “donut” pattern. This dead center is surrounded by a ring of struggling plants. To maintain productivity, established chive patches benefit from renovation every two to four years.
Optimal Seasonal Timing for Division
The best time to divide chives is during periods of moderate weather: early spring or early fall. This timing helps new divisions establish roots with minimal stress. Early spring division should occur just as new growth emerges, typically before the plant sends up flowering stalks. This allows the smaller clumps to utilize the entire growing season for root development.
Alternatively, early fall, about four to six weeks before the first expected hard frost, is equally effective. Dividing during cooler fall temperatures reduces the risk of transplant shock, as the plant avoids the intense heat of mid-summer. Avoid dividing chives during the peak heat of summer or late into the fall, as extreme conditions hinder the root establishment necessary for winter survival.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dividing Chives
Before division, prepare the plant by cutting back the foliage to approximately four inches. This reduces the leaf surface area, minimizing moisture loss and transplant shock. The root ball should be well-hydrated; watering the clump a few hours prior makes the soil easier to work with.
Next, use a garden fork to dig around the clump, starting about six inches away from the base to capture the root system. Gently lift the entire root ball out of the soil and shake off loose dirt to expose the clustered bulbs. Separate the large mass into smaller sections using a sharp knife, a clean spade, or simply by hand.
Each new division should contain a healthy cluster of several bulbs and a robust network of fibrous roots. If the roots are excessively long or damaged, trim them by up to half to encourage fresh growth after replanting. These separated sections are then ready to be replanted.
Care for Newly Divided Chives
Immediate post-division care is crucial for the establishment of the new chive clumps. Place the divisions in prepared holes, which should be slightly deeper than their original depth. Firmly press the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets. A thorough initial watering is necessary to settle the soil and hydrate the disturbed root system.
For the first few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist to facilitate new root growth, avoiding waterlogging. Applying compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at replanting provides nutrients to stimulate vigorous growth. Refrain from harvesting the new divisions for about four weeks, allowing the plants time to develop a strong root system before energy is redirected toward leaf production.