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About Chives

Common chives have hollow, round leaves and a mild onion flavor. They are not garlic chives (Allium tuberosum), which have flat leaves and a garlic taste. If you want both, grow them as two plants.

When to Plant

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, or divide clumps in spring. Perennial in Zones 3–9.

How to Plant

Sow ¼ inch deep. Transplant clumps 8–12 inches apart in full sun and rich, moist soil. Divide every 2–3 years.

When to Harvest

Snip leaves 2 inches above the soil. Do not cut the whole clump to the ground more than twice a season. Flowers are edible. Freeze chopped chives; drying loses flavor.