Chives, a member of the Allium family, are a hardy perennial herb characterized by their hollow, grass-like leaves and growth in dense, multiplying clumps. As the plant matures, these clumps expand outwards, leading to overcrowding and a decline in vigor over time. Dividing an established chive plant is necessary to propagate the herb into new areas or revitalize the existing patch. Division allows individual plants to access sufficient nutrients and space, ensuring sustained productivity.
Optimal Seasonal Timing for Chive Transplant
The most successful time for relocating chive clumps is during periods of moderate temperature, which allows the plant to establish its new root system without the stress of extreme heat or cold. Early spring is the prime window for transplanting, specifically as new green shoots emerge from the soil. Moving the plant at this stage is advantageous because its energy is focused on root and leaf development, not yet diverted to flower production later in the season.
Transplanting is also highly effective in the early fall, after the main growing season has slowed but a few weeks before the first hard frost. This timing allows divisions to develop root structure before winter dormancy, positioning them for vigorous growth the following spring. Transplanting during the peak heat of summer is discouraged because intense sun and high temperatures can severely stress the plant, leading to transplant shock.
Identifying When Chive Clumps Need Division
While the calendar provides an optimal time for the physical act of transplanting, the biological necessity for division is often signaled by the plant itself. Chive clumps should typically be divided every three to four years to maintain peak performance and prevent overcrowding. A primary indicator that division is needed is a noticeable reduction in the plant’s overall productivity and a thinning of the individual stalks.
As the plant ages, the center of the clump can become dense and woody, restricting the growth of new, tender leaves. This causes plants to compete intensely for limited resources, resulting in weaker growth and reduced flavor intensity. If the center of the clump is becoming bare or the outer leaves are noticeably thinner, the herb requires rejuvenation through division.
Preparing and Replanting Chive Divisions
Proper preparation begins the day before the transplant by thoroughly watering the existing chive clump to hydrate the roots. Before digging, cut the foliage back to about four inches high; this minimizes moisture loss and reduces stress on the root system. To remove the clump, insert a shovel in a wide circle, four to six inches away from the base of the plant, ensuring a substantial root ball is lifted intact.
Once the clump is out of the ground, gently separate the mass into smaller sections. This can be done by hand, pulling apart natural divisions, or by using a sharp knife to cut the root mass into manageable pieces. Each new division must contain a healthy amount of roots and several small, onion-like bulbs to ensure successful establishment.
The new planting site should be prepared by amending the soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage. Dig holes large enough for the roots, and plant the divisions at the same depth they were previously growing. Space the new clumps at least six inches apart to allow for future expansion and proper air circulation. After backfilling the soil and gently firming it around the roots, the newly planted divisions require immediate, deep watering to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.