Growing cive in an herbaceous plant , veg , or prime garden is one of the well-off and smartest decisions one can make .
Related to the lowly , yet various onion , chives are one of the easiest herb to originate and the smallest of the Allium family . The pungent aroma of its foliage , flowers , and bulbs aid to deterpest insects – a boon in your rose or other highly - appraise ornamental garden – and the peak pull pollinators to help your yield and vegetable produce in yield .
Below you will find a description of the chives plant , including its height , hardiness , and prime ; light , moisture , and ground necessary ; cultivation tip for keeping your growing chives healthy and tasty ; our favorites varieties ; and some ideas for how to employ chives in your abode .
Description
Wider than tall ( 12 or so inches eminent by as much as 18 inch wide ) , chives present a marvelously spikey textural relief in the garden . From thick green foliage “ straws ” arise adorable lavender pom - pom - like chives flowers , resistless to all manner of humblebee and other pollinator .
Because the chive plant is perennial , it is not sent around the garden rotation with its cousins , garlicand onion , but is best planted in either a consecrate herb orflower garden bottom .
Because it is so popular with the pollinator , I do n’t put it nearbenchesor doors . I like to look out the show , but not ride on it nor invite it at heart .
Light, Moisture, and Soil Requirements
Light : Full to part Lord’s Day . 4 or 5 hours of direct sun a day , lower limit .
wet : Moderate . Err on the drier side if in doubt .
territory : median soil . Not too racy , but unquestionably well drained .
Gardening Tips for Growing Chives
bulge out Chives from cum or bulbs is quite easy , though root clumps is the prosperous of all .
Cultivating chive : Remove flowers once they ’re finished ( before they set seed , ) lest they slip energy away from leafage product . turn over planting multiple clump and switch off harvesting from each . This will help prolong the overall life of the flora .
Growing clumps can be part once every 3 - 4 years to prevent them getting too thick .
Varieties To Try
“ Garlic ” schnittlaugh or Chinese chives(Allium tuberosum ) has , as you ’d think , a garlic core to its leafage and white flowers . Great on adust potatoes .
Pink chives(Allium schoenoprasumvar . roseum ) have a shorter height than the full-strength mintage , but its peak are a adorable pink tincture and highly prized in fresh and dried arrangements .
Using Chives
usually find in fish and potato recipes , and a staple in soups , chive are also a slap-up condiment flavorer . The flowers too are comestible and lovely in salad or as a garnish .
Chive straws ( leaves ) are most flavorful when used fresh , though they can be frozen in plastic container or bags and used directly from the deep-freeze .
Allium schoenoprasum are fantabulous companion plants for roses and other extremely prized ornamentals being as they ’re think to discourage worm pests like aphids .
