The chive garlic can be planted and propagated without any difficulties or challenges. But what happens to this versatile herb in winter? Does it need to be quartered at home or sheltered outside?

Dead above ground and dormant below ground

Chives are similar to chives in terms of winter hardiness and care. It tolerates frost in this country and can therefore be described as perennial. The parts of the plant that are above ground - the grass-like leaves, the blossoms and infructescences - die off above ground. One would like to believe that the plant is dead… But fallacy. Their root system survives below the surface of the earth.

Which sub-zero temperatures cause problems for chives?

If the temperatures drop to -20 °C in winter, the chives can no longer be saved. Such low values and those below mean its certain end if it has not received protection in the form of brushwood, leaves and the like.

In sheltered locations, the herb tolerates temperatures down to -17 °C. If it is in an unprotected and draughty position, it can cope with temperatures down to -12 °C. It is therefore worth planting the chives in a warm and sheltered location. Thus, its survival is less risky.

What precautions should be taken?

If you have chives in a pot outside on the window sill, on the balcony or terrace, you should give the plant a little attention in autumn. Before the first frost arrives, cut down the plant. Then wrap the pot with fleece. Equipped with this protection, the chives survive the winter time.

If you have planted chives outdoors in a rough location such as in the mountains, you can protect them in winter with the following materials in the root area:

  • leaves
  • brushwood
  • fleece cover
  • compost
  • bark mulch

tips and tricks

Before winter is just around the corner, it is advisable to cut off the infructescence. The seeds contained can be used to propagate the chives in the following year.

Category:

Herbs