Chives - Perennial

When to Sow Chive Seeds

All year round on a windowsill March to May outdoors.

Where to Sow

Sow seeds 0.5cm (¼") deep, in small pots of compost , lightly covering the seed with a sprinkling of compost. Water well and place at a temperature of 15-20°C. Alternatively sow outdoors March-May where they are to crop, 0.5cm (¼") deep, directly into finely-prepared soil. Chives perfer a fertile soil with some moisture but will grow well in dry conditions too, including gravel and rock gardens. Position in full sun.

What to do Next

Grow a few plants on a light windowsill for easy kitchen use. If transplanting outside gradually harden off in a coldframe before planting out 20cm (8") apart once all risk of frost has past . Seeds sown direct outside should be thinned out to 15-20cm (6-8in) apart.

Harvest

All year round, once 15cm (6") tall, picking a few leaves from each plant so they regrow quickly. Do not cut lower than 5cm above the soil

Handy tip

Young plants can be sown and grown on a windowsill all year round, or you could lift and pot up a small clump in the autumn and place on the windowsill for fresh herbs throughout the winter months.

Nutritional Values

Surprisingly, chives contain more Vitamin a than any other member of the allium family. They also contain Vitamin C and K.