How to Grow Chives

Beginner-Friendly

Allium schoenoprasum

A hardy perennial allium with hollow tubular leaves and purple flowers. Excellent border plant that returns every year.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
60–90 days
typical
Per Square Foot
9
Plant Spacing
10 cm / 4"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
1.0" / 25 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost, or divide existing clumps. Perennial in zones 3–9. Cut regularly to promote growth.

Varieties & Cultivars

5 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Allium schoenoprasum

(1)
Common
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

mauve flowers; very easy to grow

Height
8–12" (20–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Allium tuberosum

(1)
Garlic Chives
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

mild garlic flavour; white star-shaped flowers; self-sows

Height
10–18" (25–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Extra-large leaves up to 45cm

(1)
Giganteo
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

mild flavour; impressive size for garnish

Height
4–8" (10–20 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Larger than common chives

(1)
Forescate
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

vigorous clump-forming habit

Height
10–14" (25–35 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Vigorous grower

(1)
Patrick
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

mild onion flavour; good for cutting; reliable perennial

Height
4–8" (10–20 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.3 oz (8 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside chives, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Cauliflower : Chives deter aphids from cauliflower
Broccoli : Chives deter aphids from brassicas
Strawberry : Chives deter aphids and may help prevent grey mould on strawberries
Tomato : Chives repel aphids from tomatoes
Carrot : Chives deter carrot rust fly
Lettuce : Chives deter aphids from lettuce

Keep Apart

Beans : Chives inhibit bean growth (allium family)
Peas : Chives inhibit pea growth (allium family)

Square Foot Spacing

9 per sq ft

4" apart (3×3 grid)

View full spacing chart →

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