Staro

Family: Amaryllidaceae Herb

Feather-fine, rosy-tinted green chive blades of ‘Staro’ rise with a fresh, onion-chive fragrance that feels bright and lively the moment you brush past the clumps.

At maturity (about 60 days), the foliage stays tender and crisp, with a delicate bite that holds its character in the garden and on the plate. Grow ‘Staro’ for its dependable, flavorful sprigs—ideal for sprinkling over finished dishes, stirring into creamy sauces, and adding a gentle, aromatic lift to savory favorites.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Clumping

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Staro chives deliver feather-fine blades with a crisp allium bite—great for adding aroma right at the end instead of cooking them into submission. Use them to perfume butter, dairy, and eggs without getting muddy; they stay lively and clean on the palate.

Best Uses

finishing sprinkles on hot or cold dishes to keep the blades crisp
stirring into crème fraîche, sour cream, or soft cheeses for an immediate green lift
folding into warm butter for steak and potatoes where you want perfume without harshness
whisking into quick vinaigrettes to perfume without turning oily

Flavor Profile

fresh onion-chive fragrance tender, crisp bite bright, lightly sharp allium snap

Kitchen Pairings

salmon eggs butter crème fraîche goat cheese lemon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Allium schoenoprasum (common chives), and how can I manage it?

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are prone to onion thrips, which cause silvery streaks and distorted, stunted shoots. Rinse plants with a strong jet of water and remove heavily damaged leaves, then apply insecticidal soap to the undersides every 5–7 days until new growth looks normal. If you see leaf yellowing and soft rot at the base, improve drainage and avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal buildup.

How often should I water common chives during the main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil evenly moist, not waterlogged; a good target is watering when the surface starts to dry but before the clump wilts. In full sun, this often means about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total from rain and irrigation, split into 2–3 deeper sessions for sandy soils. Consistent moisture supports tender leaves, while soggy soil increases rot risk.

How can I tell when Allium schoenoprasum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants form dense clumps and the hollow, tubular leaves are at least 6–8 in (15–20 cm) tall, which is typically around 60 days from sowing under good conditions. Snip leaves 1–2 in above the soil or cut individual outer leaves first, and regrow by leaving the inner shoots intact. For best flavor and tenderness, harvest before flowering; once flower buds appear, leaves become tougher.