| Plant Data |
| Min germination temp: | 15°C (59°F) |
| Max germination temp: | 20°C (68°F) |
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| Germination time: | 11 days |
| Time to transplanting: | +73 days |
| Time to harvesting: | +303 days |
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| Mature height: | 25cm (10in) |
| Mature spread: | 15cm (6in) |
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| Ideal pH range: | 5.2 - 8.3 |
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| Sow depth: | ½cm (¼in) |
| Sow spacing: | 2.5cm (1in) |
| Growing plant spacing: | 30cm (12in) |
| Growing row spacing: | 30cm (12in) |
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| References: | [1][2] |
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are the smallest species of the onion family Alliaceae[3], native to Europe, Asia and North America.[4] Allium schoenoprasum is also the only species of Allium native to both the New and the Old World and is a perennial.
Culinary uses for chives involve shredding its leaves (straws) for use as condiment for fish, potatoes and soups. It also has insect-repelling properties which can be used in gardens to control pests.[5]
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[6][7]
Chives will grow in most garden soils in either sunny, or semi-shaded positions. They can also be grown in window boxes and pots.[2]
Sow seeds in groups of 3 or 4 at 30cm (12in) spacing, ½cm (¼in) deep. Remove the weakest seedlings after germination.
Plant raised or bought seedlings into the herb bed at 30cm (12in) spacing.
Even if you don't want to divide the clumps up for your own uses, it's a good idea to divide them every 3 years and replant.[2]
Cut leaves close to the ground as required. Cut all leaves from one clump before beginning on the next.
For a winter supply, take one or two small clumps, put them into 10cm (4in) pots of potting compost and keep them on a windowsill.[2]
- Full troubles list: Allium troubles
Template:Reflist
- ↑ Chives 'Common'. myfolia. Retrieved: 2010-09-03.
- ↑ a b c d (1994). Food From Your Garden & Allotment. Reader's Digest Association Ltd, London. ISBN 978276443367
- ↑ LaFray, J. (1987). Tropic Cooking: The New Cuisine from Florida and the Islands of the Caribbean. Oakland: Ten Speed Press. pp. 292. ISBN 0898152348.
- ↑ Allium schoenoprasum factsheet, from Kemper center for home gardening. Retrieved: 2006-06-13
- ↑ Kaufman, P.B.; Carlson, T.J.; Kaufman, K.B.; Brielmann, H.L.; Warber, S.; Cseke, L.J.; Duke, J.A. (1999). Natural Products from Plants. Boca Raton: CRC Press. pp. 261. 084933134X.
- ↑ Ewing, B. (2008). Growing Culinary Herbs: Chives. Retrieved: 2010-09-04.
- ↑ Growing Chives in the UK - Harvesting. GardenAction.co.uk. Retrieved: 2010-09-04.
