Like garlic and leeks, chives belongs to the onion family, growing wild in northern Europe, Greece, and Italy. Ancient civilizations are thought to have been familiar with it, but rumors claiming that chives "send up hurtful vapors to the brain" fortunately were unfounded.
Description
This bulb plant has hollow, dark green leaves which are cylindrical and very slender, tapering to a point at the top. They are 6 to 10 inches long with a surrounding stem at the base. Flowering stems shoot up from the bulb. The small, pale purple flower forms a dense, globular umbel at the top of the stem. The 1/2-inch-long petals have bluish purple anthers.
Plant type and hardiness
Perennial; hardiness zone 3.
Height and width
Height 18 inches; width 1 to 2 inches the first year from seed, reaching 10 to 14 inches.
Light and soil
Full sun; fairly rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.
Pests and disease
None noted.
Cultivation
Chive is easily raised from seeds. Sow in shallow drills in fine soil. After seedlings pass the "delicate grass" stage, transplant them into a sunny spot in the garden. Planting in groups of up to 20 plants gives a nice clumping effect. After the tops wither, divide the clumps into 2-inch segments. If chive clumps get too large, the centers may die out. Add decayed manure to the soil occasionally and keep well watered for fuller plants.
Propagation method
Division in spring (every three years).
Bloom time and color
June; pale purple.
Harvesting
Use your fingers to harvest leaves, snapping them off at the base. Cutting with scissors will leave a stem segment that will turn brown. Freeze leaves in ice cube trays or freezer bags. Chives lose their flavor and color when dried. (The dried chives sold in grocery stores are freeze dried.) Harvesting the tops causes new top growth within a month or so. Grow a garlic chive variety, it has the fragrance and mild flavor of garlic.
Herbal uses
Culinary, decorative, and medicinal. Fresh leaves are excellent for making herbal butters and vinegar. They also may be used in salads, soups, and soft cheese and on grilled meats. Chives are one of the fines herbs and can be chopped and mixed together with chervil, parsley, and tarragon to make a savory yet mild blend of herbs to flavor cooked chicken and fish, salads, steamed vegetables, soups, and omelets. A good source of calcium, chives are believed to strengthen nails and teeth when consumed. The plants are grown for their attractive flowers and can be planted in containers. Chive is said to have some medicinal qualities.
Insider's Secret
Chive grown near the roots of apple trees helps prevent apple scab. It also helps
prevent black spot in roses. Carrots grow larger than normal when planted with chive.
