When to Plant Chives
Hardy perennial herb with mild onion flavor. Pretty purple flowers are also edible. One of the easiest herbs to grow.
The Short Answer
How to Grow Chives
Chives are the ornamental edible — the pretty purple pom-pom flowers are as useful in a salad as the hollow green leaves. They're one of the earliest perennials to emerge in spring, providing fresh onion flavor weeks before the garden produces anything else. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or fall when they become crowded in the center. Garlic chives (flat leaves, white flowers, garlic flavor) are a related but distinct species — equally easy to grow but more aggressive self-seeders. Both attract pollinators enthusiastically.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Begin chives seeds indoors 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 50°F to germinate, which typically takes 10-14 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.
Transplanting
Move seedlings outside 2 weeks before your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 50°F. Harden off seedlings for 5 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Direct Sowing
Chives can be direct sown 2 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds 0.25" deep, spaced 8" apart.
Growing Tips
Cut 2 inches above ground and they regrow repeatedly. Divide clumps every 3-4 years. The purple flowers attract pollinators and taste great in salads.
Companion Planting
Good companions:
Keep away from:
Chives Planting Dates by State
Click your state for chives planting dates specific to your location:
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026