Common name(s): Chives
Scientific name: Allium schoenoprasum
Description
Chives are a bulb-forming herbaceous perennial plant, growing to 30-50 cm tall. The bulbs are slender, conical, 2-3 cm long and 1 cm broad, and grow in dense clusters from the roots. The flowering stems are hollow and tubular, up to 50 cm long and 2-3 mm across. Leaves, which are shorter than the flowering stems, are also hollow and round in cross-section, which distinguishes them from Garlic Chives. The flowers are pale purple, and star-shaped with six petals, 1–2 cm wide, and produced in a dense head of 10-30 together. The seeds are produced in a small three-valved capsule. Chives are grown for their scapes, which are used for culinary purposes as a flavoring herb. Chives are found in Asia, Europe, and North America. Chives are found in the Himalayas, at altitudes of 2000-3000 m. Flowering: June-July.
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Allium schoenoprasum plant care and instructions
In spring or fall, direct seed onto a well-prepared seedbed (covering very lightly), or transplant established plants. If starting from seed, plants probably won’t be large enough to harvest for at least a year. Regular cutting helps keep plants vigorous and healthy and encourages spreading. Keep flowers picked to discourage dormancy in warm weather. No fertilizer is needed if planted in reasonably fertile soil. Plants harvested frequently benefit from nitrogen top-dressing. Divide and replant clumps in fresh soil every three to five years. Propagate by seed, division, or separation - Direct seed, divide, or transplant in spring or fall. Germination temperature: 45 F to 95 F Days to emergence: 7 to 21Seed can be saved 3 years.
Light - Full sun / part shade
Place - Indoors / outdoors
Water - It is important to give chives consistent watering throughout the growing season for high yields. Moisten the soil thoroughly when watering
Fertilizer - Apply 2 to 3 tablespoons of all-purpose fertilizer (16-16-8) per square foot of planting area. Work compost and fertilizer into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
Temperature - 60 to 70 degrees C
Special Features
Chives, or Allium schoenoprasum, contain nutrients that are important for sleep and bone health. Some research has also linked the chemicals in chives and other allium vegetables with anticancer effects. It also has culinary uses.
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