Fine Leaved
A neat, small-leaved form with a mild flavour and tidy growth for pots or edging.
When to plant Chives in Cambridge
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 Cambridge · last frost ≈ 7 May
| 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 | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
26 Mar to 16 AprSow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost from 26th March to 16th April. Cover very lightly with fine compost, then keep the tray in bright light at until germination.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
16 Apr to 21 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into small pots from 16th April to 21st May. Disturb the roots as little as possible and water them in gently.
03
Plant Out
21 May to 7 JunHarden plants off first, then set them in their final position from 21st May to 7th June. Space them apart, water in thoroughly straight away, and keep newly planted clumps watered while they settle.
04
Trim and Harvest Regularly
11 Jun to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksFrom 11th June to 19th 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
4 Jun to 19 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksFrom 4th June to 19th 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.
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Calabrese
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June, harvest July to October. Frost risk October to May.
Chives guides by town
See how Chives timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.