Growing Chives
Chives: Not Just an Alternative to Onions
Chives have been around for more than a few millennia. It is a staple of Chinese cuisine that makes food flavorful and tasty. Chop up your chives and they will spice up your sauces, creams and other dishes.
It can be an alternative to onions, but it has a taste all of its own. Chives have medicinal uses as well as culinary. You can consume it from the bulb to the flower.
The chive flower can be a great garnish. It is edible and can be used in any salad. The grass of the chive is the most common ingredient used in cooking. Try it chopped up on any sauce salad and it can give an excellent twist. Use the bulb for any garlic purposes. The leaves are commonly used in sauces and other culinary dishes. For a change, try chives on your mashed or baked potatoes for a delicious treat! Just use your creativity and you will be well on your way.
Growing chives yourself is not difficult. Read on for our full guide on how to grow chives in your own garden.
Growing Chives
Chives are perennial plants, which are also classified as evergreen plants. They are not difficult to cultivate, in fact they can propagate by themselves. They are also not fussy and very easy to maintain. So how to grow healthy Chives? Read on!
- Chives need fairly moist soil and it will be fine on its own. This means the soil must not be dried out. It may not need constant watering but make sure to keep the soil damp at all times.
- A ray of sunshine would also help. Like most herbs, Chives love the sun. Place the seeds somewhere the sun shines the brightest.
- The seedlings will emerge in 10 days. After a month, the plants can be transplanted to a new location. Provide enough room to grow. Plant Chives 10 inches apart and at least 5 bunch at a time. Just so you know, Chives can grow up to 45 inches in length as they mature.
- It only takes 4 weeks for the plants to be harvested. To harvest, cut the chives 2-3 inches into the grass to ensure that you will get enough Chives for the next seasons to come. Make sure that the Chives are not dry to get the best ones. Chives should be harvested fresh to enjoy the sumptuous taste.
- Since growing Chives are easy, you can plant them indoors. Lay the pot near your kitchen windowsill so you can pick some when needed. During the winter months, make sure that frost will not get to your chives or they will die out easily.
Care
A very minimal amount of fertilizer is needed every month for optimum growth. Make sure to use organic or chemical-free fertilizer. Sufficient sunlight and water will keep Chives happy. If you detect any dried leaves, cut them out. Moreover, pinch out the flowers if you are not going to use them as this will promote healthier leaves.
Chives are relatively insect proof as long as you do not plant them near onions. Onion flies will somehow be attracted to your Chives.
