Chives Growing: Intermediate Techniques for Abundant Harvests

Introduction

You've successfully grown chives and want to expand your skills. This intermediate guide covers propagation techniques, companion planting strategies, year-round indoor growing, and methods to maximize both yield and flavor.

Propagation Methods

Chives can be propagated through several methods, each with its advantages.

Division (Most Reliable)

Division is the easiest and most reliable method for multiplying chives.

Best time: Early spring or early fall

Step-by-step process:

1. Water the clump thoroughly a day before
2. Dig up the entire clump carefully
3. Shake off excess soil to see the bulbs
4. Gently separate into sections (5-10 bulbs each)
5. Trim roots to 2 inches if very long
6. Replant immediately at the same depth
7. Water thoroughly
8. Keep moist until established

Division frequency:

• Every 3-4 years is ideal
• Prevents overcrowding and declining vigor
• Produces healthier, more productive plants

Growing from Seed

Seeds offer the most plants for the lowest cost.

Starting indoors:

1. Start 8-10 weeks before last frost
2. Fill containers with moist seed-starting mix
3. Surface sow or cover lightly (1/4 inch)
4. Keep at 60-70°F (15-21°C)
5. Keep soil consistently moist
6. Germination: 7-14 days
7. Thin to 2 inches apart when 2 inches tall
8. Transplant when 4-6 inches tall

Direct sowing:

1. Wait until soil reaches 60°F (15°C)
2. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep
3. Space rows 12 inches apart
4. Thin to 4-6 inches apart
5. Keep moist until established

Seed-saving tips:

• Let flowers fully mature and dry on plant
• Collect when seed heads turn brown
• Store in cool, dry place
• Viability: 1-2 years

Growing from Bulbs

You can also plant individual chive bulbs.

Process:

1. Obtain bulbs from divisions or purchase
2. Plant 1/2 inch deep, pointed end up
3. Space 4-6 inches apart
4. Water and keep moist
5. Growth begins in 2-3 weeks

Companion Planting with Chives

Beneficial Companions

Chives' sulfur compounds repel many common pests, making them excellent companion plants.

Vegetable garden companions:

Fruit tree companions:

Plants to Avoid Near Chives

Year-Round Indoor Growing

Setting Up Indoor Chives

Location requirements:

• South-facing window (4-6 hours direct light minimum)
• Or grow lights (12-14 hours daily)
• Temperature: 60-70°F (avoid heat sources)
• Good air circulation

Container selection:

• Minimum 6 inches deep
• 6-8 inch diameter for a nice clump
• Drainage holes essential
• Clay or terracotta preferred (breathable)

Forcing Chives Indoors

You can "force" outdoor chives for winter harvest.

Process:

1. After first frost, dig up a clump
2. Pot in suitable container
3. Leave outdoors for 6-8 weeks (cold treatment)
4. Bring indoors to a cool location (50-60°F) for 1 week
5. Move to sunny windowsill or under lights
6. New growth appears in 2-3 weeks
7. Harvest lightly, then more freely

Indoor Care Tips

Watering:

• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Check every 2-3 days
• Good drainage critical
• Use room-temperature water

Light:

• Rotate pots weekly for even growth
• Supplement with grow lights in winter
• 12-14 hours of light for best growth

Humidity:

• Average room humidity is fine
• Avoid placing near heating vents
• Mist occasionally if very dry

Maximizing Yield and Flavor

Cultural Practices

Regular harvesting:

• Harvest every 2-3 weeks during growing season
• Cutting stimulates new growth
• Never remove more than 1/3 at once
• Cut from outside of clump first

Flower management:

• Remove flower stalks to prolong leaf production
• Or let some bloom for pollinators and seeds
• Flowers are edible—use them!

Division for vigor:

• Divide every 3-4 years
• Prevents hollow centers
• Rejuvenates plants
• Produces more harvestable material

Fertilization for Flavor

Optimal feeding schedule:

Best fertilizers:

• Compost (most natural)
• Fish emulsion (nitrogen-rich)
• Balanced 10-10-10 (light application)

Note: Excess nitrogen produces lush but less flavorful leaves.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

Aphids

Onion Thrips

Allium Leaf Miner

This invasive pest is spreading in the northeastern US.

Prevention: Cover crops with fine mesh during adult flight periods (March-May and August-September).

Disease Management

Root Rot (Pythium, Fusarium)

Prevention:

• Ensure excellent drainage
• Don't overwater
• Use clean containers and fresh soil
• Avoid planting in previously affected areas

Rust (Puccinia allii)

Symptoms: Orange-brown raised spots on leaves

Prevention/Treatment:

• Remove affected leaves immediately
• Improve air circulation
• Avoid overhead watering
• Clean up all debris in fall

Pink Root (Phoma terrestris)

Symptoms: Pink/purple roots, stunted growth, yellowing

Prevention:

• Rotate planting areas
• Use disease-free transplants
• Improve drainage

Preservation and Storage

Fresh Storage

Freezing (Best Method)

Ice cube method:

1. Chop chives finely
2. Pack into ice cube trays
3. Cover with water or olive oil
4. Freeze until solid
5. Transfer to freezer bags
6. Use within 6 months

Flash freezing:

1. Spread chopped chives on baking sheet
2. Freeze until solid (1-2 hours)
3. Transfer to freezer bags
4. Keeps 4-6 months

Drying (Not Recommended)

Dried chives lose most of their flavor and color. If you must dry them:

1. Use a dehydrator at 95°F (35°C)
2. Or hang bundles in warm, dark, dry place
3. Store in airtight containers
4. Use within 1 year
5. Expect significantly reduced flavor

Chive Flower Products

Chive Blossom Vinegar:

1. Pack clean jar with chive flowers
2. Cover with warm white wine or champagne vinegar
3. Seal and store in cool, dark place
4. Shake daily for 2 weeks
5. Strain and bottle
6. Beautiful pink color, mild onion flavor

Chive Blossom Butter:

1. Separate flower petals
2. Mix into softened butter
3. Add pinch of salt
4. Roll in parchment and refrigerate
5. Use within 2 weeks

Seasonal Care Calendar

Growing Different Chive Species

Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)

Differences from common chives:

• Flat leaves (not hollow)
• White flowers (late summer)
• Garlic flavor
• More aggressive self-seeder

Care adjustments:

• Same basic requirements
• Deadhead to prevent excessive spreading
• Cut back more aggressively

Giant Siberian Chives (Allium ledebourianum)

Differences:

• Much larger (up to 24 inches)
• Stronger flavor
• Blue-green leaves

Care adjustments:

• More space needed (12-18 inches apart)
• May need staking in wind
• Same watering and feeding

Conclusion

Intermediate chive growing is about maximizing your harvest through proper propagation, companion planting, and year-round techniques. With these skills, you'll have more chives than you can use—which is a wonderful problem to have!

Ready for more? Our Advanced Guide covers commercial production techniques, integrated pest management, and controlled environment growing.