When to plant Chives in Nottingham

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 Nottingham · last frost ≈ 20 Apr

Sow indoors March, plant out May. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    9 Mar to 30 Mar

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost from 9th March to 30th March. Cover very lightly with fine compost, then keep the tray in bright light at until germination.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    30 Mar to 4 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into small pots from 30th March to 4th May. Disturb the roots as little as possible and water them in gently.

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    4 May to 21 May

    Harden plants off first, then set them in their final position from 4th May to 21st May. Space them apart, water in thoroughly straight away, and keep newly planted clumps watered while they settle.

  4. 04

    Trim and Harvest Regularly

    25 May to 7 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    From 25th May to 7th 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.

  5. 05

    Feed and Water

    18 May to 7 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    From 18th May to 7th 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.

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.