Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Chives — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Allium schoenoprasum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 10–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 15.2–22.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 15.2–30.5 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow seeds 1/4 in deep in groups of 4–6 and thin clumps to 6–9 in apart once established; thinnings are edible. Water regularly and divide crowded clumps every 2–3 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor. Remove spent flower heads to prevent excessive self-seeding, or leave a few for their edible, mildly onion-flavored blooms. Harvest by snipping leaves to about 1 in above the soil; plants regrow quickly.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0