Adding Flavor with an Herb Garden: Chives

This week I would like to introduce you to the littlest members of the onion family: Chives. Chives grow in grass-like clumps and are normally always referred to in the plural. Chives are not only the smallest member of the onion family, but they are also the only species of Allium native to both the Old and New Worlds! Native to North America, Asia, and Europe, it became actively cultivated in Europe as a food during the Middle Ages.

Although small Chives can do big things. Chives naturally repel aphids so they are great companion for roses. When planted in the orchard, they are said to help defend Apple trees from Apple Scab. They also improve both the flavor, and growth, of carrots if planted together.

I find Chives to have a much more mild complex flavor than green onions. They offer a delicate mild onion flavor complemented with hints of garlic.  Their culinary uses are endless, ranging from scrambled eggs, cheddar and Chive biscuits, salads, sour cream and Chive mashed potatoes, fully loaded baked potatoes, potato salad, dressings, oils, herb butters, or even as a garnish! But don’t stop there!  Chives come in many varieties and flavor profiles: Common Chives, Siberian Garlic Chives, Giant Siberian Chives, and Garlic Chives, all of which I have grown in my garden.

Garlic Chives (Notice their flat leaves.)

Chives are a perennial herb in USDA zones 3-10 and one of the easiest herbs to grow! They tend to like a PH range of 6-7. Mature plant size varies by varieties reaching from 10-24 inches, with Giant Siberian Chives coming in around 3 feet when flowering. The grass-like leaves can be harvested when plants reach 6 inches in height. Harvest with a pair of kitchen scissors and give the chives a trim or even full haircut.  Leave the bottom two inches of the leaves on the plant, as this promotes a healthy plant and encourages new growth. If you want lots of leave growth, pinch off the flower buds. Alternately, you can allow Chives to flower and use the globe style blooms. They are edible and make an attractive garnish on meat dishes or a striking addition to soups and salads. Chives flower in June and July. The blooms come in an array of white, pink, and purple, depending on variety.

Common Chives (Common Chives have round hollow straw like leaves.)

Chives prefer full sun and a rich, well drained soil, but will tolerate partial shade and poor soil conditions. It grows equally well in either the garden or patio container. They can be either directly seeded, or for a jump-start, planted indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date. Have a friend already growing Chives in their garden?  If flowers are allowed to seed out chives will multiply. The mature plants can be divided and transplanted and then shared with friends every 3-4 years. If left unattended, Chives produces huge clumps that turn into rings as the centers die out.

Unlike most little ones, Chives take little attention. ;-)These hardy plants are well mannered and persistent.  And certainly won’t keep you up all night! So why not give them a try!

En route to a more flavorful life, the Homesteading Hen