Growing Chives, also Garden chives

Allium schoenoprasum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P P P P           P P P

(Best months for growing Chives in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots, Tomatoes, Parsley, Apples

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
01 Mar 14, Ben (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Just cut the leaves
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Mar 11, Elaine (Australia - tropical climate)
I've just started growing chives in peat pellets in a little 'greenhouse'. I think it took all of 4 days for them to germinate. We'll see how they go when I transfer them to the garden bed or pot.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 May 13, John (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Elaine, peat pellets are great but don't forget that other great seedling container. Egg cartons!
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Apr 10, Leigh (Australia - temperate climate)
I wanted to plant some chives seedlings now, is it too late? and should I wait until after winter?
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Jan 10, Dee (Australia - temperate climate)
Not sure if this will help, (hope it does)... I soak my seeds in hot water for a little while and then put them on cotton wool buds, making sure I keep them moist. I've tried seeds in seed trays and the same in the cotton wool, and the ones in the cotton wool always germinate. Then when they're big enough, I plant the seedling and cotton wool straight into a tray or the garden
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jan 10, Catherine (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I too have had problems growing chives from seed. They don't even germinate. I tried directly in garden bed, and also in seed trays.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Nov 09, Kelly (Australia - temperate climate)
ive got regular and garlic chives and there prob the easiest herb-plant ive grown.they grow great in direct sunlight as long as u water daily.i have it outside and it pretty much looks after itself.Ive grown from seedling as well as from seed trays.Seed trays they tend to grow quicker i found. Also i jave planted mine in september.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Jul 09, Amber (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm having no luck growing chives from seed. I've tried all that I know & have read can anyone help? We here, eat stacks of it!
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 41 - 48 of 48 comments
See comments for all plants

Like all bulbs they appreciate room, so divide your clumps regularly. Also they like a sandy but humus rich premium soil so consider that and give them side dressings of manure and pick flowers. I cut mine off at the base and sell/use both flowers and leaves to make medicinal , edible salts.

- Narelle stirey

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.