Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

CHF 5.95
CHF 5.95
Skip to product information
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
  • Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
  • Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
  • Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
  • Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Allium schoenoprasum fine-leaved

CHF 5.95
CHF 5.95
  • Purple flower balls from June to August
  • Fine, tubular leaves that regrow after cutting
  • Compact, about 25–35 cm tall
  • Sun to partial shade, almost any soil
  • Very bee-friendly

Every kitchen knows chives, but they also look good in the flower border. From June to August, purple flower balls appear above fine, tubular leaves. The plant is robust, regrows after cutting and is a magnet for bees.

About this variety

Allium schoenoprasum is the only allium species native to Europe, Asia and North America alike. The plant forms dense clumps of fine, hollow leaves. In early summer, small round flowers in purple to lilac appear above them, turning the herb into an attractive border plant.

At about 25–35 cm tall, chives are suitable as an edging for vegetable and flower beds, in a cottage garden next to pot marigolds or among roses. In a pot on the balcony or windowsill they are a classic. Sun or light shade and moist soil are ideal.

The flowers are very popular with bees and bumblebees. They also look good in small posies. If you cut the leaves regularly, the plant quickly regrows. It is perennial, hardy and easy to propagate by division. Leaves and flowers are edible and season salads, quark and soups with a mild onion flavour. In the vegetable garden the oniony smell is also said to keep some pests away, and deer and voles usually leave the plant alone.

Planting

Plant chives in spring from March to May or in early autumn in September and October. Set the plants about 3–5 cm deep and 20–25 cm apart. A sunny to partly shaded spot with humus-rich, moist soil is ideal.

Care

Keep the soil evenly moist, especially in pots. Cut the leaves regularly, as this encourages new growth. You can cut off faded flowers to prevent self-seeding. Divide every few years to keep the clump vigorous.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Allium schoenoprasum fine-leaved
  • Genus: Allium
  • Class: Various
  • Supplied as: Flower bulbs
  • Flower colour: Purple
  • Flowering time: June, July, August
  • Flowering season: Early summer, High summer
  • Height: 30 cm
  • Spread: 25 cm
  • Habit: Clump-forming
  • Position: Sun, Partial shade
  • Suitable for: Bed, Bed edge and border, Pot and container, Rock garden, Wildlife garden and meadow, Cutting garden
  • Soil type: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
  • Drainage: Well-drained
  • Soil moisture: Rather dry to moist
  • Soil pH: Neutral
  • Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
  • Planting time: March, April, May, September, October
  • Planting depth: 3–5 cm
  • Spacing: 20–25 cm
  • Number per m²: 20
  • Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
  • Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
  • For containers: Well suited to containers
  • Container note: Grow in a sufficiently large container with drainage holes and good drainage.
  • Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
  • Naturalising: Partly suitable
  • Naturalising note: Can return for several years. Spreading on its own is not guaranteed for this variety, however.
  • For bees and butterflies: Pollinator-friendly
  • Deer and rodent resistant: Yes
  • RHS hardiness: H6

You might also like