How to Grow, Propagate and Store Chives

DebDavies | Aug 31, 2009 |

0 Comments | Rating: 0

Chives are a perennial herb used in many recipes. Once established, they will faithfully produce year after year. Chives are very easy to grow, propagate and store.Chives are so easy to grow, you can even grow them in a small pot on the kitchen windowsill during the long winter months.

Things You Will Need

Garden hose
Garden spade
Garden gloves
Garden snips
Seed starter soil
Chives

Chives are happy growing in pots or in the garden. As long as they have plenty of sun, they will also do well indoors. If direct sowing into the garden, seeds should be planted in late fall or early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.

They prefer rich, well drained soil with a pH level between 6.1 - 7.8. Plants should be planted approximately 9 inches apart from each other. This herb will get to about 18 inches in height. The flower stalk will get higher if they are allowed to flower.

When sowing indoors, place the seeds in a seed starter soil in small seed starter pots. Keep in a sunny, warm area and mist seedlings daily. Seeds will take anywhere from 15 - 21 days to germinate. This herb can also be propagated through bulb division. Clumps of Chives should be divided every 2 to 3 years.

Harvest them as needed. In frost free areas, they can be harvested year round. In Freeze zones, harvest the Chives, chop and place on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once they feel dry and brittle to the touch, remove and make sure to store them in an airtight container.