Allium schoenoprasum, as chives are called in Latin, belongs to the leek family and is therefore closely related to other Allium species such as wild garlic, leeks, shallots, onions and garlic. You can smell this relationship, because all of these species have a typical smell that is caused by allicin - and is also responsible for the health benefits of the leek family. Chives are very easy to care for and also quite undemanding.
How often do you have to water chives?
Chives need a lot of water and should therefore - if they are planted out in the garden - be placed in soil that is as moist as possible. At the same time, however, the herb does not tolerate waterlogging, which is why the soil must be well drained.
Can chives also be cultivated in pots?
Yes, but only under the condition that the plant is in a sufficiently large pot and gets plenty of light and air - chives are usually not suitable as a pure houseplant.
How often do chives need to be transplanted in pots?
The first time you should repot chives immediately after you buy them. The commercially available pots are too small for the vigorous plant. After that, you should repot them about once a year. In this case, fertilizing is not necessary, as fresh substrate is always pre-fertilized. On the other hand, chives planted in the garden can remain in the same spot for 20 years or more, provided they are fertilized.
When and with what should you fertilize chives?
Potted chives that are repotted regularly do not need to be fertilized. Garden chives, on the other hand, receive a good portion of compost in the spring and are otherwise supplied with commercially available, liquid vegetable fertilizer (€7.49) over the summer.
When and how should you cut chives?
Harvest the stalks of chives regularly and cut them away generously - the more new stalks the plant will eventually produce. Straws that are not harvested only turn yellow and wither and are no longer usable.
What pests infest chives?
Traditionally, chives are often recommended as a biological remedy for pest infestation in other plants, but they can also become infested themselves. In particular, onion flies, aphids and so-called lily beetles (a small beetle with a bright red shield) settle on the stalks. Otherwise, rust fungi are common.
Are chives hardy?
Yes, both chive plants cultivated outdoors and in pots are hardy.
tips and tricks
Many gardeners who work organically swear by chive stock to combat mildew: To do this, cut about 100 grams of fresh chives as small as possible and pour a liter of boiling water over them. You can also add finely chopped garlic cloves to increase the effect. Allow the mixture to steep for a few hours, cool and spray on affected plants.
IJA