BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Chives
• Genus: Allium
• Species: schoenoprasum
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: chalky/alkaline, dry, moist, sandy, well-drained/light
• Height: 0.45m
• Spread: 0.15m
• Time to plant seeds: April to May
• Flowering period: July to August

Chives are popular perennial bulbs that spread to form neat tufted clumps, ideal for edging beds and paths, and particularly attractive when in flower. Regularly harvesting the tops of the pleasantly onion-flavoured leaves, used to flavour all kinds of dishes, also helps to stimulate further new young growth, which has the best flavour. The attractive flowers, mauve in rounded heads, are edible, make a pretty garnish, and are a favourite of bees and other pollinating insects. Chives are easily raised from seed, or a bought potful may be divided for growing on to produce several strong clumps.