Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow and are trouble free unless you grow onions close by. The onion fly will attack most members of the onion family of which the chive is a member.
What are ideal conditions for germination?
- Soil less mix, moisture, light, bottom heat, moderate to high humidity to start germination with more air movement after germination
Should seeds be clumped together or individually spaced out?
- Chives do very well from seed. Collect the seeds and sow in a pot very early in the year. Keep warm and watered until the seedlings are large enough to plant outside. Use normal spacing, they will fill in as they start growing outdoors
What is the optimal soil pH/temperature?
- Ph neutral, temperatures ranges from 15 deg C to 30 deg C. At either end of the temperature range growth is reduced.
Full sun, partial sun, shade (optimally)?
- Full sun if the soil is rich and does not get too dry, light shade is better if the climate or soil is dryer
How aggressive should stalks be harvested?
- Let seedlings grow unharvested for one year. Established clumps can be regularly harvested by taking a portion of the stalks. It's your choice whether you take the entire stalk down to the base or a little off the top. After flowering the entire clump should be cut down to the ground so you can have another harvest late in the fall.
Do they spread asexually (spores, clippings) or by seed only?
- They spread by seed or by division
Should they be replanted every year or do they overwinter well?
- They can be grown in USDA zones 3 to 9. I have read that they should be replanted every four or five years but have never done so and I have more chives than I can use. Rabbits don't seem to eat them either.
What nutrient are they heavily dependent on (if any in particular)?
- None when grown in soils with normal or above average amounts of organic matter. Fertilizer is not necessary unless your soil is extremely poor in nutrients.
Chives are not a fussy or demanding plant. There are a few different types like garlic chives. Once you plant them and see how reliable they are their relatives such as garlic, onions and leeks start to look like a good addition to your garden as well.
