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How to Grow Chives

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Get Your Exact Chives Planting Dates

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Supplies You'll Need

Seed Starting Trays Seed Starting Mix Grow Lights Heat Mat Raised Garden Bed Vegetable Garden Soil Hand Trowel Set Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Allium schoenoprasum
Category herb
Type Clumping
Days to Maturity 60 days
Starting Method Start Indoors

Growing Requirements

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water

Regular

Spacing

6" apart

Depth

0.25" deep

Height

12-18"

Germination

7-14 days

Ready to Grow Chives?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

Buy on Amazon True Leaf Market

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Seed Saving Guide

Easy
Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let flower heads dry completely on the stalk — seed pods will turn black.

Processing

Shake dried seed heads into an envelope; seeds fall out easily.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Chives self-sow aggressively — deadhead most flowers to prevent unwanted spreading in the garden.

Seed Storage Supplies

Seed Envelopes Mylar Storage Bags Silica Gel Packets Seed Organizer

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Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Chives. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Chives Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Chives Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant 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.

How long does Chives take to grow? +

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

Should I start Chives indoors or direct sow? +

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.

How much sun does Chives need? +

Chives requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Chives? +

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

How much water does Chives need? +

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

Can you save seeds from Chives? +

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.

How long do Chives seeds last in storage? +

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.

Are Chives seeds open-pollinated? +

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.

About Chives

Mild onion-flavored perennial. Edible purple flowers attract pollinators.

Expect your Chives to be ready for harvest in approximately 60 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.