Plant Love: Chives

Chives are the earliest crop that wakes up in my garden each spring. This perennial plant enjoys the cool spring weather and does best before the heat of summer hits. Both leaves and flowers are edible, delivering a mild onion flavor. Green stalks will give way to plump purple flowers that are adored by bees.

How to Grow

Chives are simple to start from seeds indoors, direct sowed, or planted from divisions. You can purchase seeds at any hardware or garden store. There are also many great online seed companies to purchase from.  I start my chive seeds around 8 weeks before last frost date. Plant your seeds in seed starting soil and keep under lights until ready to be hardened off and transplanted outdoors. Don’t worry if seeds were not started indoors, you may also direct sow in spring after danger of frost. Chives make excellent container plants for smaller spaces and can be brought indoors over winter. Chives will benefit from well-drained soil with a mix of compost, and a sunny spot!  It is recommended to divided plants every 3-4 years to improve appearance and health of plant. When ready to use just get out the scissors and cut all the way to ground to harvest. To keep plants productive harvest frequently.  

Why Grow Chives

Top 3 reasons why I grow an abundance of chives in my garden.

1. Low maintenance- once established, they will not need extra care.
2. Attracts many early season beneficial pollinators.
3. Good companion plants- Chives will deter pests such as Japanese Beetles.

Culinary Uses

Chives add color and flavor to many dishes when used as a topping or as an ingredient. For inspiration on how to use up your chive harvest try these:

• Chive and garlic butter
• Potato Skins or Baked Potato
• Omelets/Scrambeled Eggs
• Tea Sandwiches
• Sour Cream Chip Dip
• Topping for chili or soup
• Sprinkle over potstickers, dumplings, or eggrolls
• Garnish for seafoods
• Grilled Garlic Bread
• Cream cheese spread
• Tie for asparagus bundles
• Make chive blossom vinegar