Fine Leaved
A neat, small-leaved form with a mild flavour and tidy growth for pots or edging.
When to plant Chives in Birmingham
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.
30 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Birmingham · last frost ≈ 27 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
16 Mar to 6 AprSow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost from 16th March to 6th April. Cover very lightly with fine compost, then keep the tray in bright light at until germination.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
6 Apr to 11 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into small pots from 6th April to 11th May. Disturb the roots as little as possible and water them in gently.
03
Plant Out
11 May to 28 MayHarden plants off first, then set them in their final position from 11th May to 28th May. Space them apart, water in thoroughly straight away, and keep newly planted clumps watered while they settle.
04
Trim and Harvest Regularly
1 Jun to 30 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksFrom 1st June to 30th October, 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.
05
Feed and Water
25 May to 30 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksFrom 25th May to 30th October, 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.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Chives to consider
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.
Related plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest June to September. Frost risk October to April.
Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest September to February. Frost risk October to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors March, plant out May, harvest July to September. Frost risk October to April.