Chives

Chives

August 23, 2024

Introduction

Chives are ridiculously easy to grow and are the perfect addition to any small-space setup. So, grab your teeny-tiny planter, your questionable potting soil, and get ready to cultivate the most vibrant, fragrant chives. They're low-maintenance and will love you no matter how many times you forget to water them.

The What

Chives, part of the onion family, are slender, grass-like herbs renowned for their mild onion and garlic flavors. Their delicate leaves and edible purple blooms not only enhance dishes but also add natural beauty to urban landscapes. Chives are not only a delight to grow but also offer a sense of satisfaction and connection to nature in the heart of the city.

The Why

In bustling NYC, cultivating chives allows urban dwellers to enjoy locally grown flavors and enhance their culinary creations with ease. These versatile herbs thrive in compact spaces, requiring minimal care yet delivering robust flavors. Whether added to omelets, salads, soups, or garnishes, fresh chives elevate dishes with their distinctive taste. Chives also make excellent companions for other crops such as tomatoes, carrots, and roses, helping to repel pests and boost growth. Growing chives at home promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on store-bought herbs and connects city dwellers with the joys of gardening. Embrace urban gardening with chives—a flavorful addition to your cityscape retreat that brings a touch of green serenity to the urban hustle.

Sunlight Requirements

Chives need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade tolerated. Indoors: Ideal for pots; provide bright, indirect light or use grow lights for 10-12 hours daily.

Water Requirements

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Chives prefer consistent moisture. Indoors, monitor frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially in full sun conditions.

Temperature Tolerance

Chives are perennial and flourish in 40-85°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in April-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, 60-70°F year-round.

Container Size

Indoors: 6-8" wide, 6" deep, 1 gallon; Outdoors: 8" wide, 6-8" deep, 1-2 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Chives prefer a loamy potting mix with organic compost or worm castings. Make sure your pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

How to Add Fertilizer

Use 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Organic options: worm castings, compost. Chives benefit from occasional nutrient boosts to support rapid growth.

Growth Duration

Chives are ready for harvest 60-90 days after planting, or when the leaves are 6-8 inches tall. Outdoors, chives live for 3 to 5 years, die back in the winter and grow again in the spring. Indoors, chives can live for several years.

How To Trim

Cut chives back to about 1 inch above soil to encourage new growth. Regular trimming keeps the plant healthy and productive, ensuring a steady supply.

Growing Challenges

Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, let soil dry. Slow Growth: Add balanced fertilizer. Wilting: Water consistently. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or release green lacewing larvae. Diseases (Rust): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.

Interesting Facts

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Blog
Chives

Chives

Chives are ridiculously easy to grow and are the perfect addition to any small-space setup. So, grab your teeny-tiny planter, your questionable potting soil, and get ready to cultivate the most vibrant, fragrant chives. They're low-maintenance and will love you no matter how many times you forget to water them.

Chives

Here are the essential Chives basics you need.

Sunlight Requirements

Chives need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade tolerated. Indoors: Ideal for pots; provide bright, indirect light or use grow lights for 10-12 hours daily.

Water Requirements

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Chives prefer consistent moisture. Indoors, monitor frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially in full sun conditions.

Temperature Tolerance

Chives are perennial and flourish in 40-85°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in April-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, 60-70°F year-round.

Container Size

Indoors: 6-8" wide, 6" deep, 1 gallon; Outdoors: 8" wide, 6-8" deep, 1-2 gallons

Best Soil Mix

Chives prefer a loamy potting mix with organic compost or worm castings. Make sure your pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing

Use 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Organic options: worm castings, compost. Chives benefit from occasional nutrient boosts to support rapid growth.

Growth Duration

Chives are ready for harvest 60-90 days after planting, or when the leaves are 6-8 inches tall. Outdoors, chives live for 3 to 5 years, die back in the winter and grow again in the spring. Indoors, chives can live for several years.

How To Trim

Cut chives back to about 1 inch above soil to encourage new growth. Regular trimming keeps the plant healthy and productive, ensuring a steady supply.

Growing Challenges

Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, let soil dry. Slow Growth: Add balanced fertilizer. Wilting: Water consistently. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or release green lacewing larvae. Diseases (Rust): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.

The Many Varieties of Chives

There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.

You can get a variety pack with 8 types of basil here.

Do you have any questions or requests? I'm here to help!

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