Growing Chives, also Garden chives

Allium schoenoprasum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

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

(Best months for growing Chives in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 cm apart
  • Harvest in 7-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots, Tomatoes, Parsley, Apples

Your comments and tips

01 Mar 14, Ben (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Just cut the leaves
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.
16 May 13, John (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Elaine, peat pellets are great but don't forget that other great seedling container. Egg cartons!
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?
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
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.
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.
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!
Showing 41 - 48 of 48 comments

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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. Gardenate 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.
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