Delicious, versatile and nutritious for a slight twist try growing garlic chives. This perennial herb should last for years. Chives grow into small clumps and can be harvested regularly all year round. They taste great in a wide range of cooking styles and are especially good in salads. Chives work great as a companion plant, repelling a variety of pests and their flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.
Planting Calendar
Chives can be grown from seed anytime from spring to autumn. Chives seedlings are available throughout the year, and can be planted anytime.
Harvest In
20 - 25 Days
Chives are ready for harvest after about 20 - 25 days. Regular harvesting will encourage more new growth.
Prepare
Position
Chives grow well in full sun but will tolerate a small amount of shade. They can be grown in the garden, pots or even on the windowsill.
Soil
When planted into the ground Chives likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
If growing from seeds, sow a pinch or two of seed in a small clump and barely cover with soil. Seed will germinate within two weeks and be ready to harvest in 1½ to 2½ weeks. If growing from seedlings, plant in clumps initially, which can later be thinned as the plants grow high. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Natures Organic Fertiliser then mix together. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the hotter months.. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Feeding
Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. In addition every 8 weeks apply some Kings Natures Organic fertiliser as a side dressing, this will provide all the nutrients your plants need.
Protecting
Aphids are a common problem with chives, either try hosing them off or spray with Organic Aquaticus Bugtrol.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Nip flower heads off before they open to promote leaf growth. However, flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish or in a salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for chive seeds to germinate?
It can take them between 7 to 21 days to germinate.
There are smal black bugs on the leaves of my chives what are they?
These little pests are Aphids which are partial to plants in the Onion family. Spray regularly as soon as they are noticed with Bugtrol.
