Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Features
Chives are perennial herbs that grow in clumps from very small bulbs. They can grow up to 30cm tall and appear grass like with hollow tubular green leaves. Chives produce flowers with a globular head with pinkish to pale purple blossoms. Chinese or garlic chives produce a star-like flower head that is white and flat.
Growing Methods
Seeds should be sown directly into the garden during spring. Create holes 1 cm deep placing around ten seeds together as a clump. Firm the soil over and keep the soil moist throughout the germination period of 2-3 weeks. Young plants can be grown in containers and transplanted into the garden when one month old, again in clumps of ten. Space around 20cm apart. Chives should be watered well especially during hot months. You should apply plant food at the time of planting and use liquid or soluble fertiliser every four weeks. Chives are generally free from diseases but watch out for aphids in hot weather. Chives are a popular companion to roses, carrots, grapes, tomatoes and fruit trees.
Harvesting
Chives are ready to crop when they reach 15cm high during summer and autumn. Snip the chives close to the ground leaving 5cm intact. Only harvest when ready to use as chives do not store well however they can be frozen in plastic wrap for about six months.
Uses
Chives have a very mild onion flavour that are most often used in soups or casseroles during the last moments of cooking to preserve their flavour. The flowers can be used in salads, herb vinegars and butters. Chinese chives have a mild garlic flavour and the unopened flower buds are very popular in Asian cuisines.
