Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a popular, hardy perennial herb cultivated for their mild onion flavor and attractive appearance. This species is valued for its cylindrical, hollow leaves and edible purple flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. Finding a source for live chive plants allows for near-immediate integration into a culinary garden or container planting, ensuring a quicker harvest than starting from seed.
In-Person Retailers and Local Sources
Purchasing chive plants in person allows for immediate planting and the opportunity to inspect the stock before purchase. Large chain garden centers, often found within hardware or home improvement stores, frequently stock pre-potted chive plants during the spring and summer. These retailers provide convenience and generally offer common varieties of A. schoenoprasum in small pots or multi-packs.
Independent local nurseries and specialized plant shops are another excellent source, often providing a more curated selection and regional advice. These smaller operations may carry less common cultivars, such as ‘Grolau’ or the flat-leaved Allium tuberosum (garlic chives). Local farmers’ markets and seasonal plant sales are also good places to find divisions from established local clumps, which can be an economical way to acquire stock.
Specialized Online Nurseries and Seed Companies
For gardeners seeking specific or rare chive varieties, specialized online nurseries and seed companies offer a broader selection than most brick-and-mortar stores. These mail-order businesses often ship live plants, sometimes as bare-root divisions or established plugs, directly to the customer. The primary advantage is access to named cultivars, such as ‘Profusion’ (which is sterile) or ‘Nelly’ (known for its fine texture and uniform habit).
Online retailers typically ship plants or bare roots during the appropriate seasonal window for the buyer’s hardiness zone. When ordering online, shoppers must factor in shipping costs and handling time, which can sometimes extend to three weeks during peak seasons. While online purchases do not permit pre-inspection, reputable companies ensure plants are packaged securely to withstand transit and arrive ready for planting.
Deciding Between Seeds, Bulbs, and Established Plants
When acquiring chives, a buyer must choose between three forms: seeds, bulbs (or bare roots), and established plants (transplants). Each choice has implications for cost and time to harvest.
Seeds
Starting with seeds is the most economical option. Chive seeds can be slow to germinate, often taking four to six weeks to produce a viable transplant, and require 60 to 90 days to reach maturity for an initial harvest.
Bulbs and Bare Roots
Bulbs and bare-root divisions offer a middle ground in both cost and speed. These are typically clumps of small bulbs that establish quickly once planted, rapidly producing new leaves for harvesting.
Established Plants
Established plants or transplants, sold in small containers, represent the highest initial cost but offer the most immediate gratification. These young plants are ready to be set directly into the garden, allowing for a harvest as soon as 30 days after transplanting.