Plant Data
Min germination temp: 15°C (59°F) Max germination temp: 20°C (68°F) Germination time: 11 days Time to transplanting: +73 days Time to harvesting: +303 days Mature height: 25cm (10in) Mature spread: 15cm (6in) Ideal pH range: 5.2 - 8.3 Sow depth: ½cm (¼in) Sow spacing: 2.5cm (1in) Growing plant spacing: 30cm (12in) Growing row spacing: 30cm (12in) References: [1] [2]
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum ) are the smallest species of the onion family Alliaceae [3] [4] Allium schoenoprasum is also the only species of Allium native to both the New and the Old World and is a perennial.
Culinary uses for chives involve shredding its leaves (straws) for use as condiment for fish, potatoes and soups. It also has insect-repelling properties which can be used in gardens to control pests .[5]
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[6] [7]
Growing [ ] Location [ ] Chives will grow in most garden soils in either sunny, or semi-shaded positions. They can also be grown in window boxes and pots.[2]
Sowing [ ] Sow seeds in groups of 3 or 4 at 30cm (12in) spacing, ½cm (¼in) deep. Remove the weakest seedlings after germination.
Transplanting [ ] Plant raised or bought seedlings into the herb bed at 30cm (12in) spacing.
Aftercare [ ] Even if you don't want to divide the clumps up for your own uses, it's a good idea to divide them every 3 years and replant.[2]
Harvesting [ ] Cut leaves close to the ground as required. Cut all leaves from one clump before beginning on the next.
For a winter supply, take one or two small clumps, put them into 10cm (4in) pots of potting compost and keep them on a windowsill.[2]
Troubles [ ] Full troubles list: Allium troubles References [ ]
↑ Chives 'Common' . myfolia . Retrieved: 2010-09-03.↑ a b c d (1994). Food From Your Garden & Allotment. Reader's Digest Association Ltd, London. ISBN 978276443367
↑ LaFray, J. (1987). Tropic Cooking: The New Cuisine from Florida and the Islands of the Caribbean. Oakland: Ten Speed Press. pp. 292. ISBN 0898152348 .
↑ Allium schoenoprasum factsheet , from Kemper center for home gardening. Retrieved: 2006-06-13↑ Kaufman, P.B.; Carlson, T.J.; Kaufman, K.B.; Brielmann, H.L.; Warber, S.; Cseke, L.J.; Duke, J.A. (1999). Natural Products from Plants. Boca Raton: CRC Press. pp. 261. 084933134X.
↑ Ewing, B. (2008). Growing Culinary Herbs: Chives . Retrieved: 2010-09-04.
↑ Growing Chives in the UK - Harvesting . GardenAction.co.uk . Retrieved: 2010-09-04.
