How to Grow Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Perennial clumping. Edible purple flowers too.
Heritage & Origins
Native Region
China, Europe, and North America (Circumboreal)
Historical Context
“Chives have been harvested from the wild for over 5,000 years. Marco Polo is credited with bringing news of their medicinal use back to Europe. In medieval times, bunches of chives were hung in houses to ward off diseases and evil spirits.”
Ancestral Meaning
A symbol of endurance and simple luxury. As the first member of the onion family to emerge in spring, they represent the return of abundance and flavor after a long winter.
Did you know? Chive flowers are completely edible and taste like a milder version of the leaves. They make beautiful purple garnishes and can even be used to make vibrant pink onion-flavored vinegar.
Return on Investment
One chives plant produces roughly 0.5 lbs. Worth $1.25 vs a $2.49 seed cost.
Practical Maintenance
- Light: Full Sun (6+ hrs/day)
- Water: Moderate — water 1-2x per week
- Spacing: 1 sq ft per plant.
Champion Varieties
Lineages for your homestead goals
Common Onion Chives
The hardy standard; produces dense clumps of hollow, grass-like leaves with a mild onion bite.
Garlic Chives (Chinese)
Flat-leaved variety with a distinct, garlic-like aroma and beautiful white blossoms.
Staro
A heavy-duty variety with much thicker leaves than common chives; handles heat and drying extremely well.
Nelly
A refined gourmet variety with fine, dark-blue-green leaves and a delicate flavor; highly disease resistant.
