Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) belong to the leek or onion family and were originally more at home in mountainous regions. The plant, which can grow to a height of 50 centimeters, develops tubular, hollow leaves that grow directly from the bulb. In contrast to many other popular kitchen herbs (e.g. parsley or basil), it is a perennial aromatic and medicinal herb.
Chives can get very old
Many kitchen herbs, especially annuals and biennials, should be assigned a different place in the garden every year if possible. Not so the chives. This herb can remain in the same place for many years, even decades. What many herb lovers don't know: Allium schoenoprasum, as chives are called in botanical jargon, is a perennial plant that, with good care, can live for 20 or even more years. Ergo, it is not necessary to sow chives every year. On the one hand because the hardy herb survives cold winters without any problems and on the other hand because existing plants can be propagated quite easily by division.
share chives
This is exactly what you should do regularly: divide the chives. In this way you prevent the herb from overgrowing your garden on the one hand and on the other hand you ensure a rejuvenation and thus strong, aromatic plants. In addition, the division corresponds to the natural reproduction of the chives, which - like many bulbous plants - reproduces most easily in this way.
Cut chive plants regularly
Furthermore, chives should not only be trimmed regularly in the course of harvesting, otherwise the stalks will quickly turn yellow and become inedible. In autumn - preferably before the first frost - cut down the stalks and cover the planting site with brushwood or leaves to protect the roots from the cold. The plant will quickly sprout again in spring. You should also prevent chives from flowering by cutting them frequently, otherwise they can no longer be used.
tips and tricks
Chives have a fairly high nutrient requirement and should therefore be fertilized regularly. Organic fertilizers are ideal, as they do not restrict the herb's ability to be consumed - in contrast to some synthetic fertilizers. Therefore, fertilize chives preferably with manure, compost or coffee grounds - but be careful! While coffee grounds are perfect for herbs, they should not be overused - they acidify the soil.
IJA