Chives in Fron

Allium schoenoprasum

Chives
Chives · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Fron · last frost ≈ 16 May

Sow indoors April, plant out May to June. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Chives

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    4 Apr to 25 Apr

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost from 4th April to 25th April. Cover very lightly with fine compost, then keep the tray in bright light at until germination.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    5 May to 19 May

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 5th May to 19th May, prick them out into small pots. Keep the roots undisturbed as much as you can and water them in gently.

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    30 May to 16 Jun

    Harden plants off first, then set them in their final position from 30th May to 16th June. Space them apart, water in thoroughly straight away, and keep newly planted clumps watered while they settle.

  4. 04

    Trim and Harvest Regularly

    30 Jun to 6 Oct every 2 weeks

    From 30th June to 6th 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.

  5. 05

    Feed and Water

    21 Jun to 6 Oct every 2 weeks

    From 21st June to 6th 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.

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.

Chives guides by town

See how Chives timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.