Chives: varieties, growing and uses
A clump of chives is a small perennial supply that instantly finishes a plate of potatoes, eggs or salad. The fine green shoots are familiar; pink or white flower heads show that the same kitchen herb can also form a neat edge in the garden.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
- Use
- Mild onion-like leaves. Edible flowers bring the same savoury character, but taste a small amount.
- Care
- Sun or light shade, with fertile, moisture-retentive soil and drainage. A pot dries out faster than a clump in the ground.
- Harvest and flowering
- Snip a small bunch close above the base. Let a young or recently divided plant regrow first.
Discover varieties and growth habits
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Common chives
The fine hollow shoot for everyday use.
Use: Mildly onion-like, at species level.
Flavour of the species; a separate flavour profile for this variety has not yet been confirmed.View growing and harvesting →Place in my gardenThis image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Forescate
Larger-growing with pink flowers.
Use: Chive flavour at species level; no distinct flavour difference established.
Flavour of the species; a separate flavour profile for this variety has not yet been confirmed.View growing and harvesting →Place in my garden
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
White-flowered chives
A light flower form in a herb border.
Use: Chive flavour at species level.
Flavour of the species; a separate flavour profile for this variety has not yet been confirmed.View growing and harvesting →Place in my gardenChoose your way to grow
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
This image was created with AI from described plant characteristics and growing advice. It shows a possible situation and is not a photograph of a verified cultivar.
Dividing and replanting a clump
A clump of chives is a small perennial supply that instantly finishes a plate of potatoes, eggs or salad. The fine green shoots are familiar; pink or white flower heads show that the same kitchen herb can also form a neat edge in the garden.
- Lift an established, healthy clump when division is suitable.
- Gently separate the clump into divisions with their own roots and green or living growing points.
- Plant divisions at the same depth in moist, well-drained soil.
- Water and wait for enough new growth before cutting a substantial bunch.
For an identifiable harvesting spot with enough room for this growth habit.
A herb pot near the kitchen
Use scissors so you do not pull shoots out with their roots. After cutting, check whether the clump regrows evenly. You can divide a dense, old clump; this gives several harvest spots without buying a new flavour cultivar. Label divisions if you have different flower colours.
- Choose a pot that gives the clump room and drains excess water.
- Place it near the kitchen in sun or light shade with a clear variety label.
- Cut a small bunch of blades above soil without pulling out the growing point.
- Let some plants flower if you want to observe or harvest flowers separately.
For a second growing position where you can compare shape, scent or harvesting rhythm.
How to create your own herb-growing space
Plant two small clumps: one near the kitchen for cutting, another at a bed edge for flowering. This shows culinary and ornamental roles. White flowers calmly complement green lettuce; pink Forescate adds colour.
Choose a suitable growing position
Use scissors so you do not pull shoots out with their roots. After cutting, check whether the clump regrows evenly. You can divide a dense, old clump; this gives several harvest spots without buying a new flavour cultivar. Label divisions if you have different flower colours.
From plant to kitchen
Add cut leaves to hot dishes at the last moment. Plain boiled potato suits first comparisons: the same neutral bite with ordinary leaves versus a few petals. Discover preference without assigning unproven flavours to every flower colour.
Scent, flavour and use
Mild onion-like leaves. Edible flowers bring the same savoury character, but taste a small amount.
Care, cutting and harvesting
Sun or light shade, with fertile, moisture-retentive soil and drainage. A pot dries out faster than a clump in the ground.
Remove old leaves and spent stems; an established clump can be cut back during the growing period for fresh leaves.
Snip a small bunch close above the base. Let a young or recently divided plant regrow first.
Cutting, caring and following the season
Remove old leaves and spent stems; an established clump can be cut back during the growing period for fresh leaves.
Species information and annual cycle
- Space
- Recommended spacing is missing. Check the plant label or seed packet; unknown space does not count as free space.
- Soil
- No pH range supported by sources is included. Test your soil and follow species and variety guidance.
- Season
- An annual cycle supported by sources is included; variety, age and location may cause differences.
- Care
- 1 species care checks included. This is not a complete list of all possible care.
Herbaceous perennial in a temperate climate: flowering May · Jun · Jul, dieback Oct · Nov, dormancy Dec · Jan · Feb. Outside these periods, shoots emerge or foliage grows. In the southern hemisphere this shifts by six months; unknown and tropical locations do not receive an automatic annual cycle. A young plant is not guaranteed to flower. Common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) outdoors; not automatically garlic chives or clumps forced indoors. An editorial window for a northern temperate climate: autumn dieback above ground and overwintering below ground. Check for living new shoots before tidying; dates are not guaranteed.
What you need
Tick what you already have. The extras depend on how you grow.
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Make it your garden
Save your favourite variety or add it to My garden. Your own observations determine the growth stage; care tasks are based on the species.
Add Chives to my gardenExplore more herbsSources and image information
SeedSteps editorial team · checked on 13 October 2026. Flavour descriptions come from the listed sources; ripeness and growing conditions affect flavour. AI images illustrate described characteristics and do not prove cultivar identity.
- World Checklist of Vascular Plants — 4 juni 2026Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · 2026-10-07
- Herbs – Real Life, Good FoodUniversity of Minnesota Extension · 2026-10-13
- How to grow chivesRoyal Horticultural Society · 2026-10-13
- Growing herbs in home gardensUniversity of Minnesota Extension · 2026-10-13