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How to Grow Chives

Zones 3a–9b · Beginner · Perennial

Container-friendlyBalcony/patioIndoor-friendlyPerennial

Quick Answer

Chives are one of the hardiest and most low-maintenance herbs — plant once and harvest for years.

Light

full-sun

Water

moderate

Soil

loamy, well-drained

Days to harvest

Perennial

Start indoors

4 weeks before last frost

When to plant Chiveses

Your exact dates depend on your last frost date. Enter your location to get your personalized planting calendar.

In general: start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost, and expect harvest starting the following season. See zone 3a →

Growing guide

Overview

Chives are a cold-hardy perennial herb in USDA zones 3a–9b. Growers like them because they return each year and produce both mild onion-flavored leaves and edible purple flowers. They thrive in full sun, well-drained loamy soil, and moderate water.

Soil & planting prep

Provide loamy, well-drained soil with a pH near 6.0–7.0. Space plants or thin seedlings 8–12 inches apart, and sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Work compost into the top few inches before planting to improve drainage and fertility.

When to plant

Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before your last spring frost date. You can also direct-sow outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, typically 2–4 weeks before the last frost. Because chives tolerate frost, hardened-off transplants can go out before the last frost; spring planting is preferred.

How to plant

Choose a site with full sun and loamy, well-drained soil.
Work 1–2 inches of compost into the top 6 inches of soil.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, or set transplants with the crown at soil level.
Thin seedlings or space transplants 8–12 inches apart.
Water gently to settle the soil, then keep the soil evenly moist until plants are established.

5 common mistakes to avoid

Keeping the soil constantly soggy because chives seem harmless to overwater; they are prone to crown rot, so plant them in well-drained loam and let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings.
Cutting leaves all the way to the soil line; this damages the basal growing point and weakens regrowth, so cut about 2 inches (5 cm) above the base.
Never dividing established clumps; after a few years chives become crowded and die out in the center, so dig and divide clumps every 3–4 years.
Letting spent flowers drop seed everywhere; chives self-seed aggressively, so remove faded blooms unless you want volunteer plants or plan to harvest the edible flowers.
Growing chives in too much shade; low light makes the leaves flop and turn pale, so give them full sun for upright, healthy growth.

Harvesting & storage

Harvest once the leaves are at least 6 inches tall. Cut leaves about 2 inches (5 cm) above the soil, taking outer leaves first; the clump will regrow. Use chives fresh, store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for about a week, or chop and freeze them for longer storage.

Companion planting

Good companions include carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, and brassicas, since chives may help deter aphids and other pests. Avoid planting them near beans and peas, which can be inhibited by alliums.

Growing in containers

Chives are very container-friendly; use a pot that holds at least 2 gallons and has drainage holes. Fill it with well-drained potting mix, place it in full sun, and water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Pro tips

Plant in any reasonable soil. Cut leaves to 5cm from the base for regrowth. Divide clumps every few years. The purple flowers are edible and attract pollinators. Note: toxic to dogs and cats.