Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Botanical family: Alliaceae
Allium schoenoprasum, a wild species of the damp meadows of Eurasia, grown as a herb since ancient China (3000 BC). All parts are edible: leaves snipped (fresh herb), flowers as a salad garnish, bulbils pickled. Harvest from March to November, cutting 2-3 cm from the ground to trigger regrowth. Source: Couplan, Le régal végétal.
Full sun
Any well-drained soil
Regular, enjoys coolness (dryness toughens the leaves)
Very hardy perennial: it grows wild up to the alpine belt
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A clump-forming perennial, traditionally planted at the foot of fruit trees and strawberries (its sulphur compounds are reputed to hinder some insects and fungi). Mauve pompom flowers, richly nectar-bearing and much visited by bumblebees and hoverflies, precious helpers. Divide every 3-4 years to renew it.
Good companions
Traditional companion planting (benefit not demonstrated)
Poor companions
Insects attracted or useful
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Chives: cut from April to November.
Available: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Chives » (rhs.org.uk/herbs/chives/grow-your-own)
- Interfel, « Herbes aromatiques fraîches : Présentation, disponibilité, conservation » (lesfruitsetlegumesfrais.com/fruits-legumes/aromatiques-fraiches/herbes-aromatiques-fraiches)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Mainly culinary use; no strong therapeutic claim is put forward here.
In the kitchen & the apothecary
Where to find chives in preparations: recipes and traditional herbal teas.
Family behaviour: Alliaceae
In general, Alliaceae form sulphur-rich bulbs (garlic, onion, leek, chives, shallot). Their smell is reputed to confuse some pests; the effect has been measured against the carrot fly while the onion is young (Uvah and Coaker, 1984).
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.