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Chives

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Sow Indoors            
Sow Direct            
Next Year            

Height: 30cm. Position: Full Sun. Spacing: 1cm

Type : Vegetable

Chives are a member of the Onion family, Its leaves (straws) are used as a herb; unlike other onions, its bulb is not eaten.

Chives can be used to control pests, as insects are repelled by the plant. Bees however, are attracted to its flower.

Indoor Sowing

Sow March to April. Sow thinly in pots or trays of moist compost and cover lightly with compost. Firm gently and cover with clear glass, or polythene. Keep at 15-20°C and keep moist. Germination takes 14-28 days.

Growing On

Remove cover when seedlings appear. Thin plants into further pots or trays if necessary. Stand outside for a few days in late May (avoid frosts).

Outdoor Sowing

Sow in clumps in a Seedbed or in pots and cover lightly with fine soil. Firm gently and keep moist.

Harvesting

Cut the leaves as require once the plants have developed. They are best cut before the flowers form.

Subsequent Years

In winter the leaves die down and return in spring.

Chives can be easily Divided.