Herbs

How to Grow Chives: Planting, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Transplant after frost danger is past (Wisconsin). Start indoors 6–8 weeks before transplant (UMN last frost −8 to −6 — replaces Wisconsin’s non-numeric “a few weeks”). Space clumps 12–20 inches. Low nutrient needs; no significant insect or disease problems (Wisconsin). Do not spray insecticides on herbs (UMD).

Chives at a glance

PlantStart indoors: 8–6 wk before last frost; Transplant: last frost
SunWisconsin: full sun; organic rich well-drained; light shade OK (less flowering); drought tolerant once established; consistent moisture best; low nutrient needs — no regular fertilizer.
SpacingWisconsin: space clumps 12 to 20 inches apart.
Days to harvestPerennial
-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) — not garlic chives (A. tuberosum), which have flatter leaves and white fall flowers.

Chive foliage and blooms
Chive foliage and blooms. Photo: Agnes Monkelbaan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized).

Sourced from university extension guides. For dates where you live, use the ZIP planting planner.

Planting timing

Wisconsin: plant outside after frost danger is past; seeds can be started indoors, or direct seeded once the soil is warm. (Wisconsin chives) UMN herbs: start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting outdoors; divide perennial herbs such as chives in early spring. (UMN) Planner: Transplant last frost 0; Start indoors last frost −8 to −6 (UMN — not Wisconsin’s “a few weeks”). Divide every 2–3 years; divisions with at least 5 bulblets (WI). Start indoors about 6–8 weeks before last frost.

Depth and spacing

Wisconsin: space clumps 12 to 20 inches apart. Leaves about 8–20 inches long. Space about 12–20 inches apart.

Sun, soil and water

Wisconsin: full sun; organic rich well-drained; light shade OK (less flowering); drought tolerant once established; consistent moisture best; low nutrient needs — no regular fertilizer.

Care and harvest

Remove old remains late winter; deadhead to reduce self-seeding; cut back to about 3 inches after flowering for tender new leaves (WI). Harvest after leaves are about 6 inches; cut about 2 inches from the base; do not strip an entire clump if you want continuous harvest. Flowers edible. Fresh best. UMD: do not spray insecticides on herbs.

Pests and diseases (organic)

Wisconsin: “Chives have no significant insect or disease problems.” Cultural only; UMD herb no-spray line.

Related: ZIP planner · organic pest control · shallots · mint

Frequently asked questions

When do I plant chives?

Transplant after frost (last frost 0). Start indoors last frost −8 to −6 (UMN). Or direct seed when soil is warm (WI).

Chives vs garlic chives?

A. schoenoprasum (onion flavor, spring pink/purple blooms) vs A. tuberosum (garlic flavor, flatter leaves, white fall flowers) — Wisconsin distinction.

Do they need fertilizer?

Low needs; no regular fertilization (Wisconsin).

Sources