Chives Seeds

Plant Chives Seeds: Sow seed in cell packs or flats, press into soil and lightly cover. Darkness will aid germination. Kept at 70°F., germination averages 7-14 days. Transplant chives seedlings 6-8 in. apart, in rows 18 in. apart. Can direct sow chives as soon as soil warms, ¼ in. deep, 1-2 seeds per inch. Thin to 2-3 seedlings every 6-8 inches.

Grow Chives: Full or part sun. Best appearance and production with rich soil and regular water. Harvest chives by cutting leaves back to 2 in. tall. Fresh cut leaves last about 7 days in the refrigerator. In zip-lock bags placed in the freezer, quality is preserved for about 1 year. Flavor of leaves declines when plants bloom, shear leaves back as flower buds develop. Chives flowers are showy and edible, attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Plants are deer and rabbit resistant.