Growing Chives: Tips at a Glance
Chives have one of the mildest tastes of any members of the onion family and their purple or white pompom flowers add whimsey to a flower border. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Type Perennial herb
- Sun Full to partial
- USDA Zones 3-10
- Water Very flexible
- Soil Well-drained
- Companions Herbs
- How to Grow By division
- Design Tip Deer hate it, bees love it
- Flowers Pale purple
Chives: A Field Guide
Whether snipped atop a latke or costarring in the classic fines herbes blend, chives get around.
One of the mildest members of the onion family, chives add a little nutty punch to the palate and their purple lollipop blooms bring whimsy to the garden. Chives enjoy full sun but can handle partial shade. They like rich soil but will make do with a lighter mix. They repel certain pests but attract bees. Their flowers are excellent cut, dried, or steeped in vinegar. Plus they freeze well.