Chives in Barrack Hill
Allium schoenoprasum
A hardy perennial herb for pots or the open ground. It grows best in moist but free-draining soil in sun or light shade, and regular cutting keeps the clumps productive.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Chives
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds
5 Feb – 26 FebSow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost from 5th February to 26th February. Cover very lightly with fine compost, then keep the tray in bright light at until germination.
Prick Out Seedlings
8 Mar – 22 MarWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, from 8th March to 22nd March, prick them out into small pots. Keep the roots undisturbed as much as you can and water them in gently.
Plant Out
2 Apr – 19 AprHarden plants off first, then set them in their final position from 2nd April to 19th April. Space them apart, water in thoroughly straight away, and keep newly planted clumps watered while they settle.
Trim and Harvest Regularly
3 May – 25 Novevery 2 weeksFrom 3rd May to 25th November, snip leaves often to keep plants leafy and stop them throwing up flowers too early. Cut just above the base of the leaves, and remove any flower stalks as they appear.
Feed and Water
24 Apr – 25 Novevery 2 weeksFrom 24th April to 25th November, water whenever the compost starts to dry and give a light liquid feed now and then if plants are in pots. Keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy, for steady leaf growth.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Chives.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Chives to consider
Fine Leaved
A neat, small-leaved form with a mild flavour and tidy growth for pots or edging.
Grolau
A strong, productive chive with large leaves and good regrowth after cutting.
Staro
A reliable, broad-leaved type that stands up well to repeated trimming.
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