Chive Growing Guide
Growing Chive is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Herb
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Family
Amaryllidaceae
Growing Season
Cool & Warm Season
Plant Lifecycle
Perennial
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Chive?
Your planting dates depend on where you live. Sign up to unlock dates personalized to your location.
Your Chive Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Chive's Lifecycle
Seedling
Seed Production
Step 1
Prepare Your Space
0.5 cm
Seeding Depth
10 cm
Plant Spacing
30 cm
Row Spacing
16
Plants / Sq Ft
Vertical Growing
Yes – Tower.
Method: Tower.
Succession Planting
Yes.
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 10–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Chives thrive in full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- 2They prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter, so consider adding compost to improve soil quality.
- 3Water them regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and space plants about 6 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and growth.
- 4To manage pests, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and use organic methods such as neem oil if needed.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~75
Days to Maturity
30 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
90 days
When to Pick
Snip leaves regularly from base
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest chives when the leaves are at least 6 inches long, typically in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.
- 2Use sharp scissors to cut the leaves about 1-2 inches above the soil level, ensuring not to cut more than one-third of the plant at a time to avoid stressing it.
- 3Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your chive plant is easy and rewarding, even for new growers! Simply let some of your chive flowers bloom and dry out on the plant; once the blossoms turn brown and papery, gently shake or rub them to release the tiny black seeds. Collect these seeds in a bowl, let them air dry for a day or two, and then store them in a labeled envelope or small jar in a cool, dry place. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to save seeds and grow your own chives year after year—give it a try, you’ve got this!
Seed Production
Feeling inspired?
Grow Chive from seed.
A perennial onion that gives you fresh greens every spring. Buy a pack and get started.
$2.25
CAD
In Stock
