Chives

Climate and Growing Conditions

Chives thrive in a wide range of climates across Australia, from temperate to subtropical regions. They prefer:

 Temperature:

• 15–25°C (optimal growing range).

 Sunlight:

• Full sun to partial shade (at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily).

 Frost Tolerance:

• Chives are frost tolerant and can survive cold winters.

Soil Preparation

• Chives prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).

 Soil Type:

• Loamy or sandy soil is ideal. If your soil is heavy clay, improve drainage by adding compost or well-rotted manure.

 Soil Enrichment:

• Mix in organic matter like compost or aged manure to boost fertility.

 Drainage:

• Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot. Raised beds or containers are excellent options for poorly draining soils.

Planting Chives

How to Sow:

• Scatter seeds on the soil surface and lightly cover with 3 mm of soil.
• Keep the soil moist until germination (7–14 days).

Spacing:

• Thin seedlings to 15 cm apart to allow room for growth.

Watering and Feeding

 Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature.

 Feeding:

• Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g., seaweed solution) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
• Avoid over fertilising, as this can reduce flavour.

Maintenance

 Mulching:

• Apply a layer of mulch (e.g., straw or sugar cane mulch) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

 Weeding:

• Keep the area around chives weed free to reduce competition for nutrients.

 Pruning:

• Regularly trim chives to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering (unless you want to attract pollinators).

Division:

• Divide established clumps every 2–3 years in spring or autumn to rejuvenate growth.

Pests and Diseases

Chives are relatively pest resistant due to their strong scent, but they can occasionally face issues:

 Common Pests:

• Aphids, thrips, and onion flies.
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.

 Diseases:

• Root rot (from overwatering) and fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
• Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting

 When to Harvest:

• Begin harvesting when plants are 15–20cm tall (usually 2–3 months after planting).

 How to Harvest:

• Snip leaves at the base with scissors, leaving 5cm of growth to encourage regrowth.
• Avoid harvesting more than one third of the plant at a time.

 Flowers:

• Chive flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish.
• Allow some plants to flower to attract pollinators like bees.

Companion Planting with Chives

Good Companions

Tomatoes:

• Chives deter aphids and improve tomato flavour.

Carrots:

• Chives repel carrot flies and other pests.

Brassicas (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, kale):

• Chives deter cabbage worms and aphids.

Strawberries:

• Chives help prevent fungal diseases and improve strawberry growth.

Roses:

• Chives deter aphids and black spot fungus.

Cucumbers:

• Chives repel cucumber beetles and improve flavour.

Lettuce:

• Chives deter aphids and other pests.

Plants to Avoid

 Beans and Peas:

• Chives can inhibit the growth of legumes.

 Asparagus:

• Chives may compete for nutrients and space.

Overwintering and Perennial Care

In cooler regions of Australia, chives may die back in winter but will regrow in spring.

To care for chives year-round:

 Mulch:

• Apply a thick layer of mulch in autumn to protect roots from frost.

 Containers:

• Grow chives in pots and move them to a sheltered spot during cold winters.