If you love the taste of chives, but haven’t had much luck growing them yourself, you’re not alone! Chives are one of the hardest herbs to grow at home, which makes it all the more important to know how to care for fresh chives once you have them in your possession. Read on to learn how to grow and care for your fresh chives so that you can keep enjoying their flavorful appearance and healthy nutrients year-round!
All About Chives
Chives are a member of the onion family and have a mild onion flavor. They’re a great addition to any dish, whether you’re using them as a garnish or as a main ingredient. Chives are also very easy to grow and care for. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for your own chives.
Sunlight and Watering
Chives love full sun, but will also do well in partial shade. They require well-drained soil that is kept moist, but not soggy. Water chives deeply about once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Flowers and Seeds
Most chives will die back in the fall, but they can be grown indoors during the winter months. They need a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Water them when the soil is dry, but don’t let them sit in water. Fertilize every few weeks with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer. To keep your chive plants from getting too leggy, cut them back by half every month or so.
Growing Outdoors In The Summer
Fresh chives are a delightful addition to so many summer dishes! They’re easy to grow in your own backyard and only require a little bit of care. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Chives like full sun or partial shade, and well-drained soil. If you’re growing them in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. You can fertilize every few weeks if you like, but it’s not necessary.
To harvest, simply snip the leaves with scissors. Chives will keep producing all season long, so feel free to snip as needed.
Growing Indoors During The Winter Months
Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. They don’t require a lot of sunlight, so they’re perfect for a windowsill garden. Plus, they’re one of the first herbs to start growing in the spring, so you can get a head start on your gardening. Here’s how to grow and care for chives indoors
