🌿 How to Grow Chives from Seeds
Common Names:

• Hindi: हरा प्याज़ / चाइव्स

• Tamil: சைவ்ஸ் இலை

• Telugu: చైవ్స్ ఆకులు

• Malayalam: ചൈവ്സ് ഇലകൾ

• Kannada: ಚಿವ್ಸ್ ಎಲೆಗಳು

• English: Chives

• Botanical name: Allium schoenoprasum

1. Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season perennial herb (grown as annual in hot regions)

• Best time to sow:

  • October to February in India

  • Spring to early summer in cooler climates

• Ideal temperature: 15°C to 22°C

• Prefers mild climates and does not do well in intense heat

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, fertile, and well-draining soil

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Add organic compost or vermicompost to enrich soil

• Avoid waterlogged or clay-heavy soils

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 6–8 inches between clumps, 10–12 inches between rows

  • Containers: Use 6–8 inch deep pots, sow in small clusters (10–12 seeds per pot)

• Cover seeds lightly with soil and water gently

• Optional: Soak seeds for 6–12 hours to speed up germination

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during early growth

• Water 2–3 times a week depending on climate

• Avoid overwatering — soil should be moist, not soggy

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 10–14 days

• Thin seedlings after 3–4 weeks, keeping strongest plants

• Grows in clumps with long, hollow leaves

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 4–6 hours of sunlight daily

• Can tolerate partial shade

• Grows best in cool, moderate temperatures

7. Fertilization

• Use compost or liquid organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers — promotes leaf growth but weakens flavor

• Add a top layer of compost mid-season for a boost

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Onion flies, thrips, fungal spots

• Spray neem oil + soap every 10–15 days as preventive

• Good airflow and dry leaves help prevent disease

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 60–75 days

• Snip leaves 1 inch above soil when they are 6–8 inches tall

• Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth

• Do not cut more than ⅓ of the plant at a time

10. Regrow Tip

• Perennial — regrows from the same clump every year

• Can be propagated by dividing clumps after 1–2 years

• Allow some flower heads to dry if collecting seeds

• Can also regrow from store-bought chive roots in water or soil

🥗 Health Benefits of Chives

• Rich in vitamin A, C, and K

• Supports digestion and boosts immunity

• Has mild antibacterial properties

• May help reduce inflammation and blood pressure