HerbsAmaryllidaceae

Chives.

Cool seasonWarm seasonPollinator magnetDeer-resistant
At a glance

The spec sheet.

Direct sow / out
Spring (divisions preferred)
Germ
10–21 days
Days to harvest
Perennial once established
Spacing
8–12"
Depth
¼"
Square-foot
1 per square
Qty target
One clump per household.

Plant

Start from a friend's divided clump. Chives are among the easiest herbs — set it and forget it.

Care

Cut regularly. Divide every 3 years to keep clumps vigorous.

Harvest

Snip stems to 1" above the base as needed. Purple pom-pom flowers are edible and attract pollinators.

Preserve

Frozen in ice cube trays; also chive butter, chive vinegar (from the flowers).

Companion planting

What chives likes, and doesn’t.

Good neighbors

  • Carrots (deters carrot rust fly)
  • Tomatoes
  • Brassicas
  • Roses (deters aphids and Japanese beetles)

Avoid nearby