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Common Chives — Onions & alliums

75-85days to harvest

10-14days to germinate

Z4–8USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost or direct sow in spring. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soils
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 6-8 inches
Height: 12-18 inches
Season: Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Bright green hollow leaves with purple flowers
Size: 1/8 inch diameter leaves, 8-12 inches tall
Shape: Thin, hollow, cylindrical leaves growing in clumps
Flavour: Mild, delicate onion flavor with a slight sharpness

In the kitchen

Fresh garnish, in salads, soups, egg dishes, herb butter. Flowers are edible and decorative.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, thrips (rarely problematic)
Diseases: Very disease resistant, occasional rust in humid conditions
Resistance: Excellent disease resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	August – September
2	—	—	May – July	August – September
3	—	—	May – June	July – October
4	—	—	April – June	July – October
5	—	—	April – May	July – November
6	—	—	April – May	June – November
7	—	—	March – May	June – November
8	—	—	March – April	May – December
9	—	—	February – March	April – December
10	—	—	January – March	April – December
11	—	—	January – February	March – December
12	—	—	January – February	March – December
13	—	—	January – February	March – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesChives repel aphids and may improve tomato flavor and growth

CarrotsChives deter carrot fly and other root pests while improving carrot flavor

RosesChives help prevent black spot and aphids on roses, classic companion pairing

CabbageRepels cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests

LettuceChives deter aphids and slugs while providing natural pest control

StrawberriesHelps repel slugs, ants, and aphids that commonly attack strawberry plants

PeppersDeters aphids and may enhance pepper growth and flavor

ParsleyCompatible herbs that don't compete and may mutually enhance growth

Avoid

BeansChives can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation

PeasAlliums can stunt pea growth and interfere with their development

AsparagusChives may inhibit asparagus spear development and overall plant vigor

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 30
Protein (g): 3.27
Fat (g): 0.73
Carbohydrate (g): 4.35
Fibre (g): 2.5
Sugars (g): 1.85
Vitamin A (µg): 218
Vitamin C (mg): 58.1
Vitamin E (mg): 0.21
Vitamin K (µg): 213
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.138
Folate (µg): 105
Calcium (mg): 92
Iron (mg): 1.6
Magnesium (mg): 42
Phosphorus (mg): 58
Potassium (mg): 296
Zinc (mg): 0.56
Selenium (µg): 0.9

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the onions & alliums growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Common Chives

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Common Chives?

Similar varieties