Overhead view of Chinese Chive on a white background.
A close-up of Chinese Chives blooms and greens.
An ocean of Chinese Chives blooming on the farm at Baker Creek.
A micro close-up of water droplets on a blade of Chinese Chives.
An extreme close-up of Chinese Chive flowers.
A dried Chinese Chive flower showing the seedpods in the garden.
A beautiful cluster of white flowers from blooming Chinese Chive plants.
Overhead view of Chinese Chive on a white background.
A close-up of Chinese Chives blooms and greens.
An ocean of Chinese Chives blooming on the farm at Baker Creek.
A micro close-up of water droplets on a blade of Chinese Chives.
An extreme close-up of Chinese Chive flowers.
A dried Chinese Chive flower showing the seedpods in the garden.
A beautiful cluster of white flowers from blooming Chinese Chive plants.

Chive Seeds,
Chinese

4.123 ReviewsSKU: #HB111Min. seed count: 300
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Description

(Allium tuberosum). These winter-tolerant chives are great for greenhouse or garden production. They have delicious garlic flavor and are popular with Asian chefs. We love 'em. Easy-to-grow chives.

Growing Tips: Chinese chives thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plants need consistent moisture, especially during hot weather, and benefit from mulching to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Allium tuberosum
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Requirement
2–6 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
60–90
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
3–9 in.
Ideal Temperature
55–60°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

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), Chinese 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, consult our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep and lightly cover them with soil. Space the plants about 3-9 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 7-14 days. Space the plants 3-9 inches apart to give them enough room to grow.

How to Grow

Water regularly, ensuring about 1 inch of water per week. Harvest leaves frequently to encourage continuous growth, cutting them at the base rather than pulling individual stems. The plants produce edible white flowers in late summer, which can be left for ornamental purposes, harvested for culinary use, or removed to prevent excessive self-seeding. A light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in the spring will help with healthy growth. Chinese chives grow well in containers and can be cultivated also indoors with sufficient light.

How to Save Seeds

  • Chives will not cross-pollinate with other alliums like onions or garlic, making it easy to save seed.
  • Chives are a biennial seed crop, so you will save seeds in the second summer.
  • Allow onions to shoot up spikes of purple flowers.
  • 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.
  • Once dry, separate the seeds from the husks or leave them on and plant them husks and all.

FAQ

Can I grow Chinese chives indoors?

Yes, they grow well in pots when placed in a sunny window or under grow lights.

How often should I harvest Chinese chives?

You can begin harvesting when the plants are about 6 inches tall. Frequent cutting will encourage new growth. Mature plants can be harvested every few weeks.

What is the difference between Chinese chives and common chives?

Chinese chives (garlic chives) have flat, grass-like leaves and a mild garlic flavor, whereas common chives have hollow, round leaves with a more onion-like taste.

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