Moisture range
25–45%
Days to maturity
60–80
Light
Full sun
Growing Degree Units
500 · base 50°F
When to plant chives in your zone
Indoor-start, transplant and harvest dates calibrated to your climate.
Growing notes
The easiest and most successful way of growing chives is planting rooted clumps in spring, after frost danger has passed. You can easily grow chives indoors in a bright, sunny location.
Harvest signs
Harvest chives by snipping leaves from the base of the plant. Chives are most flavorful when fresh.
▶Planting reference— spacing, pH, light
Companions & antagonists
Plant near:CarrotTomato
Keep apart from:BeansPeas
Tip: Perennial clump - divide every 3 years.
Common questions
How much water does chives need?
Chives is water-sensitive — shallow roots and a steady thirst. Keep soil moisture in roughly the 25–45% range and don't let it dry out fully, or growth stalls and leafy crops turn bitter.
Can I grow chives in a raised bed or container?
Chives is a perennial that stays put for years, so give it a permanent in-ground spot or a large, deep container it can live in long-term.
Does chives come back every year?
Yes — chives is a perennial. Plant it once and it comes back each year, so pick a spot it can keep for several seasons.