Readers ask: How Do You Seed Chives?

How to Plant Chives

1. Sow seeds about 2 inches apart and no more than ¼ inch deep. Cover with a thin layer of soil.
2. Once seedlings emerge, thin so that plants are spaced between 4 to 6 inches apart in all directions.

How do you get seeds from chives?

How to Harvest Chive Seeds

1. When chive blossoms have faded, and turned a pale tan color, snip the blossoms off with a pair of scissors.
2. Over a colander, rub the blossoms between your thumb and forefingers to release the seeds.
3. Lift the colander, remove any excess chaff to collect the chive seeds.

Do chives grow back after cutting?

Clip leaves from the outer portion of the plant first, making sure not to clip all of the plant at once. If you make a mistake and cut back all of the plant, no worries. It will grow back the following year. Wait to harvest your chives when the plant is at least six inches tall.

Are chives easy to grow from seed?

While chives are frequently grown from divisions, they are just as easy to start from seeds. Chives can be started indoors or outdoors. If you’re planting the chive seeds outdoors, wait until after the last frost to plant the seeds. The seeds may take a little extra time to sprout until the soil warms up.

Do you let chives go to seed?

When to deadhead chives – You can start deadheading chives as soon as the flowers begin to fade in early summer. Once the flowers turn brown, the seeds will be viable. So, don’t wait too long to deadhead them, or the seeds will start to scatter.

Should I let chives flower?

Well, there’s really no harm in letting your chives bloom, but your harvest might get smaller if you do. Most plants will produce smaller leaves when there are flowers too. The flower stalk is usually also hard and you can’t eat it.

How long do chives take to sprout?

Chives – Key Growing Information DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 65–70°F (18–21°C). SOWING: Direct seed (recommended): In spring, sow 1/4″ deep as soon as the soil warms up. Place 4-6 seeds every 6″ or 1-2 seeds per inch. Thin to 2-3 plants every 2-8″.

Do chives like sun or shade?

Chives thrive in full sun and well drained soil rich in organic matter. Have your soil tested. A pH range of 6.0-7.0 is best. They tolerate light shade, but six to eight hours of direct light is best.

Do chives multiply?

Chives will multiply if flowers are allowed to seed out. Mature plants can be divided and transplanted every few years.

Are scallions and chives the same?

What are chives? Green onions and scallions come from the same onion species, while chives are considered an herb and come from a different species of plant. Chives have a bright, mild flavor and are a favorite topping for hearty breakfasts like a ham and Swiss omelet or simple appetizers like deviled eggs.