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Illustration of chives on a beige background.

Chives

SCENTIFIC NAME: Allium schoenoprasum

TYPES OF CHIVES: Common Chives, Garlic Chives, Siberian Chives

PLANT FAMILY: Onion Family (Alliaceae)

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Europe & Asia | Temperate

DESCRIPTION: Chives are a small, thin herb from the onion family with long, hollow leaves. They have a faint, delicate onion flavor and are popular as a culinary herb.

Easy difficulty & pet toxic

Chives Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chives require a mix of bright, direct and indirect sunlight for healthy growth when grown indoors. Ideally, position them near a south-facing window where they can receive maximum sunlight exposure. If natural light is limited, you can supplement with artificial grow lights, such as LED grow lights. Regularly rotate the chive pots to ensure even light distribution and prevent the plants from leaning towards one side. By providing adequate and consistent lighting, you can ensure strong growth, vibrant foliage, and abundant harvests of chives indoors.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

When the top inch of soil seems just a little bit dry to the touch, thoroughly water the chives. To avoid soggy conditions that might cause root rot, allow any extra water to drain away freely. To aid the drainage process, it is essential to make sure the pots or containers have the appropriate drainage holes. Chives normally need watering once or twice a week during the growing season, although this might vary based on conditions including indoor temperature, humidity, and pot size. Keep an eye on the soil's moisture content and change the frequency of watering as necessary to maintain a steady but not overly saturated soil moisture level. Check the foliage frequently for any indications of wilting or drooping that might mean the chives require water. You can encourage healthy growth and avoid moisture-related problems in your indoor chives by maintaining good watering habits.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

For growing chives indoors, the ideal temperature range is between 60°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C). They enjoy cool temperatures and may survive in those as low as 50°F (10°C). Chives shouldn't be exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures because doing so can stunt their growth. To encourage healthy foliage growth and prevent stress or bolting (early flowering), it's crucial to maintain a consistent temperature environment within the ideal range. Using additional LED grow lights or positioning the plants next to a heat source can help maintain the proper temperature range if the interior environment has a tendency to be cooler. For the ideal conditions for the development and growth of your indoor chives, regularly check the temperature and make adjustments as necessary.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

When cultivated indoors, chives prefer a moderate humidity level. For chives, a humidity range of 40% to 50% is ideal. Although they can take a little bit of greater or lower humidity, it's crucial to prevent situations that are too dry or humid. You can use a room humidifier or put a tray of water near the chives to keep the humidity level right. This contributes to increasing air moisture and improving the environment for plants. To avoid an accumulation of excess moisture and subsequent fungus problems, adequate air circulation is also crucial. Use a hygrometer to regularly check the humidity levels, and make adjustments as necessary to keep them within the ideal range for the development and general health of your chives.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Chives can be propagated easily through division, making it an ideal method for expanding your chive plant collection. To propagate chives, start by gently lifting the plant from the soil, taking care not to damage the roots. Use a clean and sharp garden knife or scissors to separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring each section has its own set of roots and foliage. If the clumps are too tightly compacted, you can use your hands to carefully tease the roots apart. Plant the divided sections into pots or directly into the garden soil, making sure the roots are well-covered with soil and the foliage is above the surface. Water the newly planted chives thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture for root development. Place them in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil and monitor the plants for healthy growth. With proper care and attention, the divided chive sections will establish themselves and grow into independent plants, allowing you to expand your chive garden or share with fellow gardeners.
Toxicity
Chives contain compounds that can be toxic to certain animals. In particular, the Allium family, which includes chives, contains organosulfur compounds that can cause adverse effects in dogs, cats, and some other domesticated animals. These compounds can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia, gastrointestinal upset, and potential allergic reactions. It is important to keep chives and other Allium plants away from pets and livestock to prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect that your animal has consumed chives or shows any signs of illness, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for proper evaluation and treatment.
Repotting
Repot when the chive plant outgrows its container or becomes root-bound. Choose a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. Ensure the soil is moist by watering the chives before repotting. Gently remove the plant from its container, being mindful of the delicate roots. Loosen the root ball and place it in the center of the new pot. Add well-draining potting soil around the roots, gently packing it down. Water the chives thoroughly after repotting to help the soil settle. Place the pot in a suitable spot with bright indirect light. Provide regular irrigation while avoiding overwatering. Monitor the plant for signs of stress and adjust watering as needed.
Seeding
Sow the chive seeds about half an inch deep and space them evenly. Gently cover the seeds with soil and water them lightly. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. In a few weeks, you'll see the chive seedlings emerging. As they grow, thin them out to allow proper spacing.
Pruning
Chives can be easily pruned to foster healthy growth and the development of new leaves. It is advised to routinely trim the chive leaves, beginning on the outside and moving inward, in order to maximize pruning techniques. Snip the leaves close to the root using gardening shears or sharp, clean scissors, leaving a few inches of growth unharmed. In addition to encouraging the plant to produce more foliage, routine leaf picking also delays flowering and lengthens the harvesting season. To transfer energy back into leaf production if the chive plant begins to flower, it is advised to pluck the flower heads as soon as they appear. To keep the plant healthy overall, check the plant frequently for any yellow or broken leaves and remove them. You can enjoy a steady supply of fresh chives and guarantee healthy growth of the plant indoors by adhering to these easy pruning methods.
Fertilizer
When fertilizing chives grown indoors, it is important to provide them with balanced nutrition without overfeeding. Start by incorporating organic matter, such as compost, into the potting soil before planting to provide initial nutrients. Afterward, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every four to six weeks during the growing season. This will ensure a steady supply of essential nutrients without overwhelming the plants. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer mixed into the potting soil at the beginning of the growing season to provide a continuous nutrient release. Follow the package instructions for proper application rates and timings. Always water the chive plants thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent fertilizer burn and promote proper nutrient uptake. Regular monitoring of plant health and growth will guide you in adjusting the fertilization schedule as needed.
Soil
Chinese money plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good soil mix for this plant can be made by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. The perlite in the soil mix helps to improve drainage, while the peat moss provides the necessary organic matter to retain moisture and nutrients. It's important to ensure that the soil doesn't become too wet or soaked as this can cause root rot. The Chinese money plant thrives in slightly moist soil, so make sure to water it only when the top inch of soil is dry.

Hanging Heights

Chives Lighting Requirements: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Chives

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

12" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Chives

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : Not Recommended

60º Wide Beam Vita : Not Recommended

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Chives

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 18" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 12" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Chives

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • Not Recommended

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Chives

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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