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Chive Seeds, Common
Description
(Allium schoenoprasum). Wonderful, mild onion flavor. These long, thin chives are excellent in many meals; great raw or cooked. Lavender flowers. Baker Creek has long sold Common Chives seeds. But this summer a federal bureaucrat sent us an odd Warning Letter asserting that use of the adjective “common” may somehow violate federal law. When we spoke, she said the “international code of nomenclature” does not list any varieties for chives, so “common chives” might suggest the seeds were a genetic variety or kind that the global code does not recognize.
We hired expensive lawyers who explained to the federal seed police that American home gardeners do not study the contents of some international directory, and that the U.S. Seed Act does not incorporate the “international code of nomenclature” within its provisions. So it cannot violate U.S. law to use an adjective (“common”) that has been used in this country pervasively for decades just because some global code does not. (In fact, calling our chives “common” is precisely what the California Department of Agriculture actually told us we should do!)
Our lawyers also explained that the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects commercial speech. And the Warning Letter contained no rationale at all, making it null and void. Our lawyers also told the federal seed police that the common literature has long recognized at least three varieties of chives—common chives, garlic chives, and Siberian chives—and at least sixteen of our competitors also sell seeds labeled “common chives.” The bureaucrats have not said they warned them; only us. Doesn’t widespread use of the term establish that everyone knows what Common Chives are?
We wrote the federal bureaucrats saying that we were disregarding their Warning Letter as void gave them 30 days to persuade us otherwise. The deadline has long passed and we’re still waiting—but we won’t hold our breath. Our bulldog lawyers now insist that we advise you the adjective “Common” DOES NOT identify any genetic “variety” or “kind” of chives—and particularly not one that appears in the International Code of Nomenclature. Rather, we use “Common Chives” as a brand name signifying the ownership and heritage of these seeds. They have been passed down for generations, and thus are part of our communal or common heritage that connects us to those who have gone before, and those who follow us. Baker Creek is committed to fighting unreasonable government intrusion into the sale and preservation of heritage seeds. When federal or state bureaucrats overreach or try to impose an unreasonable agenda on American gardeners, we always will resist their efforts. Support heritage seeds! Grow “Common” Chives.
- Perennial
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60-90 days to maturity
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2-6 hours of full sun
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Sprouts in 7-14 days
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Seed Depth: 1/8"
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Plant Spacing: 3-9"
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Ideal Temperature: 55-60 F
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Frost Hardy: Yes
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
Chives grow best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
When to Grow
Set outside around the last frost date of spring, or direct seed in the garden at about that time. In warmer climates (zones 8-10), chives can also be planted in the fall for a winter or early spring harvest. Check your local area’s frost dates to plan planting. If you’re not sure how to do that, give our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources’ a read.
How to Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep and lightly cover them with soil. Space the plants 3-9 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which usually takes 7-14 days. The ideal germination temperature is 55-60 F.
How to Grow
Water chives regularly, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. Frequent harvesting encourages new growth, and it's best to cut leaves at the base rather than plucking individual stems. Deadhead flowers to prevent self-seeding unless you want more plants. Chives benefit from a light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in the spring. They are well-suited for containers and can be grown indoors near a sunny window or under grow lights.
How to Save
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Chives will not cross-pollinate with other alliums like onions or garlic, making it easy to save seed.
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Chives are a biennial seed crop, so you will save seeds in the second summer.
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Allow onions to shoot up spikes of purple flowers.
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Let seeds become dry on the plants. Pick seeds when they are hard and dark black; then you can bring them indoors to finish drying.
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Once dry, separate the seeds from the husks or leave them on and plant them husks and all.
FAQ
How long do Common chive plants live?
Chives are perennials and can live for many years with proper care.
Can I grow Common chives indoors?
Yes, chives grow very well in pots indoors when placed in a sunny location or under grow lights.
Can I eat Common chive flowers?
Yes, chive flowers are edible and have a mild onion flavor, making them a great addition to salads and garnishes.
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