Common Chives

Chives

60d to harvest

Fragrant, oniony blades rise in tidy clumps, offering a crisp, snappy bite and a vivid green that looks as fresh as it tastes. ‘Common Chives’ delivers dependable harvests with fine, hollow stems and a clean, bright flavor that shines in everyday garnishes, herb blends, and quick pickling brines. Grow it for repeated snips from spring through early fall—an elegant kitchen garden staple that rewards regular care with bold, aromatic growth.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 30th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Allium schoenoprasum (common chives), and how do I treat it?

Chives commonly suffer from onion thrips and leaf miner damage, which shows up as silvery streaks or blotches that slowly turn brown. Spray with insecticidal soap for thrips and remove heavily affected leaves; repeat every 5–7 days for 2–3 cycles. If you see soft, collapsing bases or yellowing with rotting at the soil line, it’s often fungal/bacterial rot—pull and discard affected plants, avoid overhead watering, and improve drainage before replanting in that spot.

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

During active growth, keep the top 1 inch of soil lightly moist but never waterlogged—this usually means watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil. Water deeply at the base so the clumps soak, then let the surface dry slightly before the next watering. Consistent moisture prevents tough, weak growth, while soggy soil increases the risk of rot in chive crowns.

How can I tell when common chives are ready to harvest?

Harvest when individual hollow leaves are about 6–8 inches tall (often around 60 days from sowing), and when the clumps look full rather than sparse. Use scissors to cut 1–2 inches above the soil or just above the base of the leaf clusters, taking no more than about one-third of the foliage at a time. For best flavor, harvest before plants flower; once flower buds form, expect tougher leaves and a shift toward more flowering growth.