How to Grow Chives

Start Chives seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors -2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

Chives typically matures in about 60 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Chives should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

Chives requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.

Space Chives plants 6 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

Chives has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Chives is rated easy. Let flower heads dry completely on the stalk — seed pods will turn black. Shake dried seed heads into an envelope; seeds fall out easily.

Properly dried and stored Chives seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Yes — Chives is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.