Are you looking for a way to grow your own chives indoors?
Chives are an herbaceous perennial plant that is very easy to grow. They have hollow, bluish-green leaves and produce small purple flowers on stalks above the foliage. The flavor of chives is similar to onions but milder and sweeter. Chives can be used in many dishes such as salads, soups, sauces, vegetables and more!
If you want fresh herbs year-round then growing them yourself is the best option! You will never need to buy another bunch of dried or frozen chives again if you start growing them now! Growing your own herbs also makes cooking easier because they’re always available when needed. It’s also fun and rewarding knowing that you grew something yourself from seed!
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
When is the best time of the year to plant Chives
Chives are a hardy perennial that can be planted at any time of the year. They prefer full sun but can also tolerate light shade. Chives grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Chives have shallow roots so it is best to plant them close together in order to support one another. If you are planting in the fall, make sure that the soil has had several days to cool down before you plant. Chives will produce flower stalks that are 6 inches tall if they are planted in full sun. If partial shade is provided, they will only grow half as big. Chives can be harvested at any time but their flavor is best in the spring and early summer.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Chives
There are 2 spots in the garden where chives can be planted: One is in the herb bed and the other is in a separate bed. Chives prefer to grow in well-drained soil that is rich in compost and good drainage. They also need full sun or at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Chives can be planted from seed or by dividing the clumps. When planting from seed, wait until the ground has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before you sow them. Sow the seeds ¼ inch deep and space them 2-3 inches apart.
To divide clumps, use a shovel or spade to separate the plants into smaller clumps of roots and stems with leaves attached. Each plant should have some roots and stems. Plant them in well-drained soil about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart from each other. Do this in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Water the plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize them every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Chives will bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers are purple and grow in clusters. They are edible and have a mild onion flavor. Snip off the flowers when they start to brown and go to seed.
How Often Should I Watering Chives
The best time to water your chives is when the soil is dry to about an inch below the surface, but not until it’s bone dry. The ideal time period for watering your chives is in the morning; however, if the ground has been saturated, then wait until later in the day or evening to water it. To protect your plants from disease and leaf burn due to sunlight exposure, you should water them during the morning hours.
In addition, make sure that the ground has been moistened thoroughly. Apply enough water to soak the soil around the root system of your chives and then wait for about ten minutes, and reapply if necessary. With too much water or too little water, your plant will develop fungus or wilt and die quickly. If you live in an area with high humidity, watering your plants every other day may be necessary. Monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
When and How to Harvest Chives
Chives are a perennial herb that can be harvested at different times throughout the year. They can be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes.
The best time to harvest chives is when the flowers are in bloom. At this time, the leaves will be the most flavorful. The leaves can be harvested by clipping them near the base of the plant.
Chives can also be harvested in the wintertime. In this case, the leaves will be less flavorful but still edible. The leaves can be harvested by cutting them off at ground level.
It is important to note that chives are a perennial herb and will grow back year after year. This means that you can harvest them multiple times throughout the year. Just be sure to leave some leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow.
Different Ways to Store Chives
There are many different ways to store chives. Chives can be stored in the fridge, in a root cellar, or in a dehydrator.
Refrigeration is the simplest method for storing chives. Chives stay fresh longer if they are put in a plastic or glass container with water, however, you can also store them in a plastic bag. The roots should be removed so that the chives don’t rot. The best way to do this is by gently tugging on the roots until they come off.
If you have a root cellar, you can also store chives in there. Chives do well in a humid environment and should be stored in a plastic bag or container. Make sure to keep them away from onions, as the two vegetables will spoil each other.
If you have a dehydrator, you can also dry chives. Cut the chives into 1-inch pieces and dehydrate at 115 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 hours. Once they are dried, store them in an airtight container. Dried chives will last up to six months.
No matter how you choose to store your chives, they will last approximately two weeks.
Other things of interest about Chives
- Chives are easy to grow and thrive even in poor soil
- Mature plants can be harvested six times a year and will stay fresh longer than some other herbs
- They have a sharp yet mild onion taste, and they’re used mostly for flavoring dishes such as mashed potatoes.
- Chives are a rich source of vitamins A and C
- They can be used to help treat sinus infections and other respiratory problems
- Chives are also believed to have anti-cancer properties.
Conclusion: Now that you know a little more about chives, you can go ahead and grow them in your own garden! Chives are a great addition to any garden and are very easy to grow. They add flavor to dishes and can be used in many different ways. So, if you’re looking for an easy herb to grow, chives are the way to go!