Suffolk Herbs Chives

Chives have a mild onion flavour in both the leaves and the edible flowers. It is one of the most popular herbs both in the kitchen and garden. This herb grows pretty pink to purple flower heads which are great in a herb garden or used as a edging plant. Perfect for pollinators. Cut leaves about 2cm from ground level. It grows to a height of about 30cm (12"). Chive can be added to salads, cooked dishes or potato salads to add a mild onion flavoured edge.

Perennial herb.

Height: 20 - 30cm (8-12 inches)

When to Sow Chive Seeds
All year round on a windowsill March to May outdoors.

Where to Sow
Sow seeds 0.5cm (¼") deep, in small pots of compost , lightly covering the seed with a sprinkling of compost. Water well and place at a temperature of 15-20°C. Alternatively sow outdoors March-May where they are to crop, 0.5cm (¼") deep, directly into finely-prepared soil. Chives perfer a fertile soil with some moisture but will grow well in dry conditions too, including gravel and rock gardens. Position in full sun.

What to do Next
Grow a few plants on a light windowsill for easy kitchen use. If transplanting outside gradually harden off in a coldframe before planting out 20cm (8") apart once all risk of frost has past . Seeds sown direct outside should be thinned out to 15-20cm (6-8in) apart.

Harvest
All year round, once 15cm (6") tall , picking a few leaves from each plant so they regrow quickly.