Common Chive in a glass vase on a white background.
A bouquet of Common Chive flowers in a white vase surrounded by chives and flowers on dark background.
A trio of Common Chive flowers in small pot surrounded by chopped and whole chives with blooms.
An extreme close-up micro view of chopped Common Chives with flowers and whole chives.
Common Chives with flowers and chopped chives arranged on dark plate.
Common Chive flowers blooming at different stages of maturity in the garden.
Common Chives with blooms fanned out on a white background.
Common Chive in a glass vase on a white background.
A bouquet of Common Chive flowers in a white vase surrounded by chives and flowers on dark background.
A trio of Common Chive flowers in small pot surrounded by chopped and whole chives with blooms.
An extreme close-up micro view of chopped Common Chives with flowers and whole chives.
Common Chives with flowers and chopped chives arranged on dark plate.
Common Chive flowers blooming at different stages of maturity in the garden.
Common Chives with blooms fanned out on a white background.

Chive Seeds,
Common

3.916 Reviews#HB135 · 300 seeds
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Description

(Allium schoenoprasum). This is one of those plants that seems to belong in every garden, tucked just outside the kitchen door. Common chives have been grown for centuries as a simple, dependable herb—snipped fresh into eggs, soups, potatoes, and whatever’s cooking on the stove. The long, slender leaves carry a clean, mild onion flavor, and in season they send up soft lavender blooms that are just as pretty as they are useful. Easygoing and generous, they come back year after year with very little fuss, offering that quiet, steady kind of abundance that good gardens are built on.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Allium schoenoprasum
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

Growing Guide

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 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

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.

Browse our full range of chive seeds.

Customer reviews

3.9 / 5 16 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Quick to sprout: Most seeds are up in 7 to 10 days with near-full germination.

  • Comes back every year: Clumps return bigger each spring, even in zone 3.

  • Fresh kitchen staple: Snipped onto potatoes, eggs, chili and salads all season.

  • Heads up: Thin and grassy the first year; struggles in hot southern zones.

More to grow!

See all Chive Seeds