Chives
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.