All About Chives

Chives, scientific name Allium schoenoprasum, A perennial plant, it is widespread in nature across much of Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant provides a great deal of nectar for pollinators.

November 2021

You may find that chives are the last herb standing in your herb garden. This is because chives are surprisingly tough. They are cold and drought tolerant.

Read below for more fun facts, tips, and uses for chives.

Chives Facts:

Chives are a perennial herb meaning they come back year after year.
Chives are in the onion family. They grow from underground bulbs in clumps.
Chives have long hollow leaves and produce edible purple flowers in the spring. You can eat the whole plant!
Eating chives can help improve heart and bone health, as well as boost your immune system.

Chives Tips:

How to harvest – regularly cut leaves 1-2 inches from the base.
How to store – best when fresh, but store in a ziplock back in the fridge or freezer to make them last longer.
How to divide – in the spring, dig down to the bulbs of your outdoor chive plant and pull a clump of 10+ bulbs away from the group. Plant this bunch in a new spot. Repeat every 2-3 years.

Chive Uses:

Create a chive border outside – divide chives over the years and transplant along the edge of a garden bed. The border will be edible, beautiful, and may even deter some pests.
Clip chive flowers in the spring to make a lovely bouquet.
Experiment with chives in fun recipes like these:
- Chives recipes in English or en Español.