ChivesAllium schoenoprasum

Chives

Chives

1. chives
2. wild chives
3. cives
4. Spanish garlic

1. chives
2. wild chives
3. cives
4. Spanish garlic

1. chives
2. Allium schoenoprasum

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Monocots
4. Asparagales

Amaryllis family

1. Leaves
2. Flowers

Chives are a popular and easy-to-care-for culinary herb that should be a staple in any garden. Their fine, tubular leaves add a fresh, oniony note to salads, soups, and many other dishes. The pretty, spherical flowers are not only edible but also a decorative feature for any bed.

1. TaskSow indoors for early harvest.

   Label

   Sow indoors for early harvest

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 2

   Conditionindoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Start sowing indoors to enable an early harvest.

1. TaskContinue sowing indoors.

   Label

   Continue sowing indoors

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionindoors

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Continue sowing indoors to ensure a continuous supply.

2. TaskAttempt first outdoor sowings if frost-free.

   Label

   Attempt first outdoor sowings if frost-free

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionsoil_temperature_above_5c

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   As soon as the soil is frost-free and workable, first sowings can be made outdoors.

1. TaskSow outdoors.

   Label

   Sow outdoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6

   Conditionsoil_temperature_above_10c

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   The main sowing period outdoors begins in April when the soil has warmed up.

2. TaskTransplant pre-grown plants.

   Label

   Transplant pre-grown plants

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   Conditionno_frost_risk

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Pre-grown plants can be transplanted outdoors as soon as the risk of frost has passed.

3. TaskFirst harvest of young leaves.

   Label

   First harvest of young leaves

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   Conditionplants_established

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Start harvesting as soon as the plants are strong enough.

1. TaskRegularly harvest leaves.

   Label

   Regularly harvest leaves

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9

   Conditionongoing

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Cut the leaves regularly about 2-3 cm above the ground. This promotes bushy growth.

2. TaskWater during dry spells.

   Label

   Water during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9

   Conditiondry_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Ensure consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods.

3. TaskFertilize if necessary.

   Label

   Fertilize if necessary

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7

   Conditionsigns_of_deficiency

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Light fertilization with compost or an organic liquid fertilizer can promote growth.

1. TaskContinue harvesting.

   Label

   Continue harvesting

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   Conditionongoing

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Regular harvesting keeps the plants productive.

2. TaskRemove spent flower stalks.

   Label

   Remove spent flower stalks

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7

   Conditionflowering

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Remove spent flower stalks to direct the plant's energy towards leaf production.

1. TaskContinue harvesting.

   Label

   Continue harvesting

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8
   3. 9

   Conditionongoing

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvesting can continue as long as the leaves are fresh and green.

2. TaskWatch for pests.

   Label

   Watch for pests

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   Conditionwarm_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests such as aphids.

1. TaskContinue harvesting.

   Label

   Continue harvesting

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8
   2. 9

   Conditionongoing

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvesting is still possible, but the growth rate may begin to slow.

2. TaskSow for autumn harvest.

   Label

   Sow for autumn harvest

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionindoors_or_protected_outdoor

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   A late sowing in August can provide a harvest in late autumn.

1. TaskContinue harvesting.

   Label

   Continue harvesting

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9
   2. 10

   Conditionongoing

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest as long as the leaves are still vigorous.

2. TaskPrepare plants for winter.

   Label

   Prepare plants for winter

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9
   2. 10

   Conditionapproaching_winter

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Reduce harvesting and allow plants to gather strength. Remove dead plant parts.

1. TaskFinal harvest of leaves.

   Label

   Final harvest of leaves

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10
   2. 11

   Conditionmild_weather

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest the last leaves before the frost sets in.

2. TaskCut back plants.

   Label

   Cut back plants

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   Conditionend_of_season

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Cut the plants back close to the ground to facilitate overwintering.

1. TaskMulch for winter protection.

   Label

   Mulch for winter protection

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11

   Conditionapproaching_frost

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   A layer of mulch protects the roots from hard frost.

Full sun to partial shade

Humus-rich, loose, well-drained

Sheltered

Prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

Loamy-sandy to sandy-loamy

Loose, crumbly

Medium to high

1. Compost
2. Leaf mold

Deep, humus-rich, and loose soil is ideal. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

Regularly, keep soil lightly moist

Consistent watering at the base of the plant

1. Germination
2. Growth phase

Pay attention to sufficient water supply, especially during dry periods. Avoid waterlogging.

Moderate fertilization with compost or organic fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can affect the flavor.

1. Compost
2. Organic liquid fertilizer

As needed, approx. every 4-6 weeks during the growing season

Chives are undemanding but benefit from a light nutrient supply.

Can be well integrated into companion planting. Adjacent to carrots, tomatoes, strawberries.

Chives are light feeders and can be grown after heavy or medium feeders. A crop rotation of 3-4 years should be observed to avoid the buildup of soil-borne diseases. Do not plant directly after other Allium species.

Deficiency symptoms are rare but can occur in very nutrient-poor soils. Yellowish leaves may indicate nitrogen deficiency.

Main problems include pests like aphids and onion flies, as well as diseases such as rust and powdery mildew. Waterlogging can lead to root rot.

1. Aphids
2. Onion fly

1. Rust fungi
2. Powdery mildew
3. Root rot

1. Observe crop rotation
2. Ensure good soil drainage
3. Adequate ventilation
4. Healthy plants through good care
5. Choose resistant varieties (if available)

Damage from pests often shows as feeding marks or sticky excretions. Diseases are recognizable by discoloration, spots, or fungal coatings. Root rot manifests as wilting and stunted growth.

1. Slugrust

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Moderate temperatures

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Good ventilation
   2. Avoid overwatering
   3. Remove infected plant parts

   Organic control

   1. Plant decoctions (e.g., horsetail)
   2. Copper-based sprays (use sparingly)
2. Slugpowdery_mildew

   Severitylow

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Poor air circulation
   3. Dry soil

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Adequate spacing
   2. Good ventilation
   3. Avoid drought stress

   Organic control

   1. Milk-water mixture (1:10)
   2. Plant decoctions
3. Slugroot_rot

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Waterlogging
   2. Heavy, compacted soils

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Base of the plant

   Prevention

   1. Good drainage
   2. Soil loosening
   3. Avoid waterlogging

   Organic control

   1. Difficult to treat; remove affected plants
   2. Soil improvement

1. Symptom

   Yellow to orange pustules on leaves and stems, later turning brown.

   Possible causes

   1. rust

   First checks

   1. Check humidity
   2. Inspect for pustules
2. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on leaves and stems.

   Possible causes

   1. powdery_mildew

   First checks

   1. Check air circulation
   2. Look for powdery coating
3. Symptom

   Wilting of the plant, yellowish leaves, poor growth, foul smell from the soil.

   Possible causes

   1. root_rot

   First checks

   1. Check soil moisture
   2. Inspect roots (if possible)

Diagnosing problems in chives is based on observing symptoms such as discoloration, spots, coatings, feeding damage, or general wilting. Differentiating between pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies is crucial for correct treatment.

1. Germination
2. Growth
3. Flowering
4. Fruiting
5. Dormancy (Winter)

Chives are a perennial plant that emerges in spring, flowers in summer, dies back in autumn, and re-emerges the following spring. Flowering can be delayed by regular harvesting of leaves.

As needed, continuously during the growing season

1. Reaching a height of approx. 10-15 cm
2. Fresh, green leaves

Use harvested leaves immediately or store them cool. Flowers can be used fresh or dried.

Cool and dry

Fresh: a few days in the refrigerator; Frozen: several months; Dried: up to 1 year

1. Freezing in ice cube trays with water or oil
2. Drying in a airy, dark place
3. Preserving in vinegar or oil

1. Leaves
2. Flowers

Chives are non-toxic to humans. However, for pets like dogs and cats, consuming large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Caution is advised for young children and sensitive individuals.

Leaves and flowers can be consumed raw.

To obtain true-to-type seeds, an isolation distance of at least 1000 m from other Allium species is required, as chives are cross-pollinated. Seeds remain viable for only a few years.

Chives are not a woody plant and therefore do not require specific details regarding woody varieties, rootstocks, or pruning systems.

Chive flowers are a valuable food source for bees and other pollinating insects. However, the plant itself offers limited habitat for other wildlife.