Chives; Onion – How To & Journal

Perennial. Leaves & flowers are edible (mild onion flavour).

Onion Chives Growing Guide

Sow

Harvest

• can harvest leaves as soon they are big enough to clip
• cut back as required – encourages growth
• if not cutting entire plant, cut leaves from outer part of clump
• cut leaves down to base when harvesting (within 1-2 inches from soil)
• 1st year: harvest 3-4 times
• subsequent years: monthly

Soil/Position

• prefers moist
• prefers full sun; ok in partial shade

Frost Tolerant

• yes; mild frost

Feeding

• not needed for fully grown plants

 

Care/Watering

• water regularly till well-rooted.  Then only occasionally.
• can mulch to conserve moisture and hamper weed growth
• after flowers bloom, remove them to prevent seeds from spreading. Also will promote more leaves.
• divide plants every 3-4 times in spring.  More productive if divided regularly.  Let divided plants grow for several weeks before harvesting.

 

Companions

apple, carrot, rosemary, sunflower, tomato

 

Other Notes

• part of onion family
• 12-24 inches tall. May spread across a foot
• edible flowers
• will take over garden if flowers allowed to ripen (flowers scatter seeds).  But easy to dig up.
• best used when fresh or frozen.  Freeze in airtight bags (can even chop up before freezing)
• can preserve in butter, oils, vinegars.  Blends well with parsley & tarragon

 

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Our Onion Chives Progress

Our onion chives was gifted to us by Melisse (neighbour). Planted both in front & back garden.

Front

 

Back

 

 

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References

• Chives – Planting, Growing, Harvesting (almanac.com)
• Chives Growing Guide (growveg.com.au)
• Growing Chives (bonnieplants.com)

 

 

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