Chives

Growing Guide

Sow seeds indoors in February and March 0.5cm 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. If transplanting outside gradually harden off in a coldframe before planting out 20cm apart once they have been hardened off. Alternatively sow outdoors April to August sowing small clusters of seeds where they are to crop, 0.5cm deep, directly into finely-prepared soil.

Once the leaves reach 15cm tall, begin to harvest, picking a few leaves from each plant so they regrow quickly. Do not cut lower than 5cm above the soil. Once the plants are well established you can harvest all year round. 

TOP TIPS

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.



Chives perfer a fertile soil with some moisture but will grow well in dry conditions too, including gravel and rock gardens.