Easy 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.
Scientific Name
Allium schoenoprasum
The 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.
Common Name(s)
Chives, Common Chives
Origin
Native to Europe, Asia and North America, where it grows naturally in meadows, grasslands and along riverbanks.
Light
Thrives in full sun but will also grow well in partial shade. Plants produce the best flavour and strongest growth when given plenty of sunlight.
Water
Keep the compost evenly moist, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid letting the soil become completely dry, particularly during warm weather.
Humidity
Happy in average outdoor and household conditions and does not require additional humidity.
Temperature
Fully hardy throughout the UK and suitable for growing outdoors all year round. Fresh growth appears each spring after winter dormancy.
Soil
Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil. A high-quality peat-free multipurpose compost is ideal for containers.
Feeding
Feed 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.
Growth Habit
A 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.
Toxicity
Edible for humans. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten in significant quantities, as chives belong to the onion family (Allium).
Culinary Uses
The fresh leaves have a mild onion flavour and are delicious chopped into:
- Salads and sandwiches
- Baked potatoes
- Soups and stews
- Omelettes and scrambled eggs
- Cream cheese and soft cheeses
- Butter, dips and dressings
The edible purple flowers can also be sprinkled over salads or used as a colourful garnish.
Extra Tips
- Harvest regularly by cutting leaves from the base of the plant to encourage fresh new growth.
- Remove flower stems if you’re growing mainly for the leaves, as this helps direct energy into producing more foliage.
- Divide large clumps every 3–4 years to keep plants productive.
- Chives grow beautifully in pots, raised beds and herb gardens, providing fresh harvests from spring through autumn.
- For the best flavour, use the leaves fresh soon after harvesting.
