When to plant Chives in the UK

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
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    late March to mid-April UK average · set your town for your exact dates

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

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    mid-April to mid-May UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into small pots from mid-April to mid-May. Disturb the roots as little as possible and water them in gently.

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    mid-May to early June UK average · set your town for your exact dates

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

  4. 04

    Trim and Harvest Regularly

    early June to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    From early June to late 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

    late May to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    From late May to late 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

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.