Chives

Chives grow in clumps with long green strap-like leaves with blue pom pom shaped flowers. They have a delicious, mild onion flavour, and are used primarily fresh, stirred into uncooked foods, such as soft cheeses or salads; or added to cooked foods during the last few minutes of cooking, or as a garnish. The attractive flowers, mauve in rounded heads, are edible and make a very pretty garnish.

Chives are easily raised from seed; they will soon produce strong clumps that grow to 30cm in height. Regularly harvesting the tops of the leaves helps to stimulate further new young growth, which has the best flavour. They are perennial bulbs that spread to form neat tufted clumps, ideal for edging beds and paths. They are particularly attractive when in flower and are a favourite of bees and other pollinating insects.

They grow well in containers and make a good ornamental plant.

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