{"product_id":"allium-schoenoprasum-chives-british-grown-culinary-herb","title":"Allium schoenoprasum – Chives - British Grown Culinary Herb","description":"\u003cp\u003eEasy to grow and wonderfully versatile, Allium schoenoprasum is a hardy perennial herb prized for its mild onion flavour and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. Perfect for windowsills, patios, vegetable gardens and raised beds, fresh chives can be snipped as needed to add a delicate onion taste to salads, potatoes, soups, omelettes and countless other dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAllium schoenoprasum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe genus Allium includes onions, garlic, leeks and chives, while schoenoprasum comes from the Greek words for “rush” and “leek”, referring to its slender, grass-like leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eChives, Common Chives\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNative to Europe, Asia and North America, where it grows naturally in meadows, grasslands and along riverbanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThrives in full sun but will also grow well in partial shade. Plants produce the best flavour and strongest growth when given plenty of sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eKeep the compost evenly moist, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid letting the soil become completely dry, particularly during warm weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHappy in average outdoor and household conditions and does not require additional humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFully hardy throughout the UK and suitable for growing outdoors all year round. Fresh growth appears each spring after winter dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePrefers fertile, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil. A high-quality peat-free multipurpose compost is ideal for containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFeed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser, or incorporate compost into the soil each spring to encourage healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA compact, clump-forming perennial reaching approximately 20–40 cm tall. Plants spread gradually over time and can be divided every few years to maintain vigour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToxicity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEdible for humans. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten in significant quantities, as chives belong to the onion family (Allium).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulinary Uses\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe fresh leaves have a mild onion flavour and are delicious chopped into:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalads and sandwiches\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaked potatoes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoups and stews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOmelettes and scrambled eggs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCream cheese and soft cheeses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButter, dips and dressings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe edible purple flowers can also be sprinkled over salads or used as a colourful garnish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtra Tips\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarvest regularly by cutting leaves from the base of the plant to encourage fresh new growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemove flower stems if you’re growing mainly for the leaves, as this helps direct energy into producing more foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDivide large clumps every 3–4 years to keep plants productive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChives grow beautifully in pots, raised beds and herb gardens, providing fresh harvests from spring through autumn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor the best flavour, use the leaves fresh soon after harvesting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"9cm","offer_id":58527060951421,"sku":"4054651456871","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/de\/products\/allium-schoenoprasum-chives-british-grown-culinary-herb","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}