Chive Seeds

Allium schoenoprasum is a robust Hardy Herbaceous Perennial (H6). It enters a period of winter dormancy, dying back completely to the ground before re-emerging with vigorous growth in early March. The plant develops from small underground bulbs that multiply and clump together, ensuring the plant becomes more productive with each passing season.

The "Pollinator Magnet": Chives are exceptional for biodiversity. Their spherical purple umbels are rich in high-quality nectar, making them a primary food source for British bees, butterflies, and hoverflies during the critical early summer gap (May-June).

Pest Protection: Beyond its culinary use, the strong, sulfurous scent of chive foliage serves as a natural deterrent in the garden. It is biologically designed to confuse sensory receptors in pests like the Carrot Root Fly, making it an indispensable tool for the organic kitchen gardener.

Chives are among the most reliable and easy plants to raise from seed, performing well in both containers and open ground.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors in early spring for a head start, or direct sow outdoors from March to May and again in September. Scatter seeds thinly into shallow drills and cover with 0.5cm of soil. Maintain consistent moisture for successful germination, which typically occurs within 14-21 days.

Where to Plant:
They prefer full sun or partial shade and are relatively unfussy regarding soil type, though they thrive best in fertile, moisture-retentive earth. Their compact, clumping habit makes them the perfect choice for culinary window boxes, patio pots, or as a decorative edge for a vegetable bed.

The "Haircut" Technique:
Do not be afraid to harvest heavily. Regular cutting stimulates the plant to produce fresh, tender tubular leaves. If the foliage begins to look tough or "yellowed" in mid-summer, cut the entire clump down to 5cm above ground level and water well; you will receive a flush of gourmet-quality new growth within weeks.

Chives are legendary companion plants, offering both aesthetic charm and practical biological benefits to these available partners from our range:

• 🥕 Carrots: The Protector. Chives are the most famous companion for carrots. Their pungent onion scent is believed to mask the smell of carrots, effectively confusing and deterring the Carrot Root Fly. Planting them in drifts through your veg patch provides a natural, chemical-free layer of protection.
• 🌹 Roses: The Folklore Friend. Traditionally, chives are planted at the base of roses to help prevent Blackspot and deter aphids. While the science is debated, the visual combination of neat grassy chive mounds and early summer roses is a quintessential British cottage garden masterpiece.

Sow in spring for a summer-long harvest of leaves and edible pom-pom flowers that will return faithfully every year.