We Discovered the BEST Way to Grow Chives to Keep Them Thriving All Summer Long

If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow herb that adds flavor, color, and fragrance to your garden, look no further than chives. These hardy, low-maintenance perennials not only enhance your culinary dishes but also add charm to garden beds and containers. Even better, they’re a perfect choice for beginner gardeners.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to grow chives and ensure they stay lush and productive all summer long. With a few expert-backed techniques and beginner-friendly tips, you’ll be harvesting fresh chives for months.

What Are Chives?

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a type of herb in the allium family, which also includes onions, garlic, and leeks. They produce slender green stalks and edible purple flowers. Their mild onion flavor makes them a favorite addition to soups, salads, eggs, potatoes, and dips.

There are two main types of chives:

Common chives: Have hollow, green stems and a mild onion flavor.
Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum): Have flat stems and a subtle garlic taste.

Both are equally easy to grow and thrive in similar conditions.

Why Grow Chives?

Chives are a smart choice for any garden, especially if you’re just starting out. Here’s why:

Hardy and resilient: Chives are cold- and heat-tolerant.
Pest-resistant: Their scent deters many common garden pests.
Pollinator-friendly: Their flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Versatile: Perfect for garden beds, pots, windowsills, or raised beds.
Perennial: Once planted, they come back year after year.

Step-by-Step: How to Grow Chives and Keep Them Thriving

Let’s get into the best way to grow chives so they remain healthy and productive throughout the entire summer.

1. Choose the Right Location

Chives need full sun to grow strong and produce lush foliage.

Ideal Sunlight:

6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
In hotter climates, light afternoon shade is acceptable.

Soil Conditions:

Well-draining soil is crucial.
Loamy, rich soil with a neutral pH (6.0–7.0) is ideal.
Enrich your soil with compost or organic matter before planting.

Pro Tip: Avoid soggy or compacted soil—chives hate “wet feet” and may rot if waterlogged.

2. Start from Seeds or Transplants

You can start growing chives from either seeds, nursery seedlings, or division of existing plants.

Starting from Seeds:

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed trays or small pots.
Keep the soil moist and warm (60–70°F or 15–21°C).
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they’re 4–6 inches tall and the threat of frost has passed.

Transplants or Divisions:

You can buy potted chives or divide mature clumps from a neighbor or local gardener.
Simply dig a small hole and plant the clump at the same depth it was growing before.

3. Space Your Plants Properly

Chives may look small, but they need room to grow.

Recommended spacing:

8–12 inches apart to allow airflow and root expansion.
When planting in containers, choose a pot at least 6 inches wide and deep.

4. Water Wisely

Chives prefer even moisture, especially in the growing season.

Watering Guidelines:

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
About 1 inch of water per week is ideal.
Avoid overwatering — too much water can lead to root rot.

Pro Tip: Mulch around the base with straw or compost to retain moisture and reduce weed competition.

5. Feed Your Chives the Right Way

While chives don’t require heavy feeding, they do benefit from light fertilization.

Fertilizing Tips:

Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar) once a month.
Alternatively, use compost tea or a slow-release organic fertilizer.
Avoid overfeeding — this can lead to excessive leaf growth and weak flavor.

6. Harvest Smartly for Continuous Growth

Harvesting regularly not only gives you fresh herbs but encourages bushy, robust growth.

Harvesting Best Practices:

Use clean scissors to snip chives about 1–2 inches from the soil line.
Start harvesting when stems are at least 6 inches tall.
Never cut more than ⅓ of the plant at one time.
Deadhead the flowers to prevent seeding and redirect energy to leaf growth.

Pro Tip: Allow some flowers to bloom if you want to attract pollinators or collect seeds.

7. Divide Your Chives Annually

To keep your chives thriving for years to come, divide mature clumps every 2 to 3 years—or even annually.

How to Divide Chives:

Dig up the clump in early spring or fall.
Separate into smaller sections with at least a few bulbs and roots.
Replant immediately and water well.

Dividing prevents overcrowding and ensures vigorous new growth.

More like this:

How to Grow Herbs Indoors

Common Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Even though chives are low-maintenance, a few issues may arise.

1. Yellowing Leaves

Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency.
Fix: Improve drainage, reduce watering, and fertilize lightly.

2. Pests

Aphids or thrips may occasionally appear.
Fix: Rinse with water, apply neem oil, or introduce ladybugs.

3. Mildew or Rot

Cause: Overcrowding and poor air circulation.
Fix: Space plants properly and avoid watering the foliage.

Growing Chives in Containers

Container gardening is ideal for small spaces, patios, and balconies.

Container Tips:

Choose pots with drainage holes.
Use light, well-draining potting mix.
Place in a sunny location.
Fertilize every 4–6 weeks with diluted organic fertilizer.

Bonus: Containers make it easy to bring chives indoors during colder months.

Keeping Chives Thriving All Summer Long

Now that your chives are planted, how do you keep them thriving all summer long?

More like this:

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Summer Maintenance Checklist:

Water regularly—keep soil moist but not soggy.
Mulch to reduce evaporation and control weeds.
Harvest often—this keeps the plant in active growth.
Deadhead flowers to direct energy back to leaves.
Fertilize lightly once a month.
Monitor for pests and diseases weekly.

Storing and Preserving Chives

If you’re harvesting more than you can use, don’t let it go to waste!

Storage Tips:

Fresh: Store in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a zip-top bag for up to 7 days.
Frozen: Chop chives and freeze in ice cube trays with water or olive oil.
Dried: Air-dry or dehydrate at low heat, then store in airtight containers (though flavor is milder than fresh or frozen).

Fun Ideas: How to Use Fresh Chives

Now for the tasty part. Here are some creative ways to use your homegrown chives:

Sprinkle over scrambled eggs or omelets.
Mix into mashed potatoes or baked potatoes with sour cream.
Add to salads, soups, and sandwiches for a fresh bite.
Blend into herb butter or cream cheese spreads.
Garnish deviled eggs or grilled meats.

Final Thoughts: The Easiest Herb You’ll Ever Grow

Growing chives is a rewarding experience for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy months of harvests, beautiful blooms, and a pollinator-friendly addition to your garden.

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to grow chives the best way—from seed to harvest—and how to ensure they stay healthy all summer long.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do chives take to grow?

From seed, chives take about 60–90 days to reach harvest size. Transplants are faster—30 days or less.

Can I grow chives indoors?

Yes! Use a sunny windowsill and a well-draining pot. Rotate the pot regularly and water consistently.

Are chive flowers edible?

Absolutely. They’re mildly onion-flavored and make a beautiful garnish.

Do chives grow back after cutting?

Yes, chives are perennial. With regular trimming, they’ll regrow repeatedly through the season.

Ready to start your herb garden? Plant chives today, and enjoy one of the most beginner-friendly—and delicious—additions to your green space!