Delicate onion taste Decorative flowers Enhance your soups, omelettes, and cheese dishes with the ...Delicate onion taste Decorative flowers Enhance your soups, omelettes, and cheese dishes with the delicate onion taste and vibrant emerald green of chives, a perennial herb. For a subtle touch of onion, add it to any dish! If you want your seeds to germinate quickly you can put down a horticultural fleece over the soil – this helps retain the heat in the soil. Add delicate onion flavour and bright emerald-green leaves to soups, omelettes and cheese dishes with Marshalls Garden fine-leaved chives. This hardy perennial produces decorative purple flowers that attract pollinators and makes an attractive, edible border plant. Sow in full sun and keep soil warm for best germination; covering with horticultural fleece can help speed sprouting. Pack contains 600 seeds.
This product is for home gardeners looking to add a versatile, easy-to-grow herb to their kitchen or ornamental garden. The key benefit is the delicate onion flavor and attractive purple flowers that chives provide, enhancing culinary dishes and attracting pollinators. A potential caveat is the need for warm soil and sun for optimal germination and growth. This pack contains 600 seeds of fine-leaved chives, a hardy perennial known for its emerald green leaves and decorative edible flowers.
All features
Model Part Number
10202957
Brand
Marshalls Garden
Extended Product Information
FAQs
How long does it take for chive seeds to germinate?
Germination typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, but can be faster if the soil is kept warm and moist. Using a horticultural fleece can help speed this process.
Can I grow chives indoors?
Yes, chives can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill. Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily and are kept consistently watered.
When is the best time to harvest chives?
You can begin harvesting chives once the plants are established and reach about 6 inches in height. Harvest regularly by snipping the leaves about an inch from the soil.
Are chive flowers edible?
Yes, the purple flowers are entirely edible. They have a mild onion flavor and can be used to garnish salads, soups, or other dishes.
How many chive plants will 600 seeds produce?
While not every seed will germinate, 600 seeds provide a substantial number of potential plants. Depending on germination rates and thinning, you can expect to establish a generous patch of chives.
Do chives need to be divided?
Established chive clumps can benefit from division every 2-4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, usually done in early spring or fall.
Can chives be grown in containers?
Absolutely. Chives grow well in pots and containers, provided they have adequate drainage and receive sufficient sunlight.
Troubleshooting
Seeds not germinating
Ensure soil is warm (ideally 18-21°C) and consistently moist. Consider using a horticultural fleece to help retain heat. Patience may be required as germination can take 1-3 weeks.
Yellowing leaves
This can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients. Ensure the soil drains well and water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consider a light feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer if growth is weak.
Leggy or weak growth
Chives may need more sunlight. Ensure the plant is in a location receiving at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Regular harvesting also promotes bushier growth.
Pests on leaves
Aphids can occasionally be a problem. Try washing them off with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap if the infestation is severe.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides a mild, versatile onion flavor for cooking.
Adds ornamental value with attractive purple flowers.
Supports local wildlife by attracting pollinators.
Easy to grow and maintain as a perennial.
Can be harvested fresh throughout the growing season.
The seeds offer good value with a large quantity per pack.
Cons
Requires warm soil and full sun for best germination.
Can spread over time, potentially needing division.
May require protection in very cold climates.
Germination can be slow without optimal conditions.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing Seeds:
Choose a location that receives full sun.
Prepare the soil by removing weeds and ensuring it is well-drained.
Sow seeds thinly directly into the soil, about 0.5 cm deep.
Water gently and keep the soil consistently moist.
For faster germination, cover the sown area with a horticultural fleece to retain soil warmth.
Care:
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Amending with compost is beneficial.
Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for best growth and flavor.
Harvesting: Cut leaves with scissors or pinch them off as needed, typically starting when plants are about 6 inches tall. Regular harvesting encourages more growth.
Division: Perennial clumps can become crowded after a few years. Divide them in early spring or fall to rejuvenate the plants and prevent overcrowding.
Winter Care: Chives are hardy perennials and generally survive winter outdoors. Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring.