Herb Tips Chives
Chives are perennials that are native to the Orient. Fresh leaves are excellent for making herbal vinegars and butter and the blooms can also be used in herbal vinegars. Chives are often used in salads, soups, and cheeses. For successful germination chive seeds require darkness, constant moisture, and a temperature of 60 –70oF for best results.
Sow seeds ½-inch deep in pots or flats; germination will occur in two to three weeks. Transplant seedlings to the garden when they are four weeks old. Chives reach a height of 18 inches and a width of 1 – 2 inches the first year from seed; they will spread to 10 – 14 inches in subsequent years. Chives require full sun and well-drained soil with a soil pH of 6.0. Chives have beautiful purple blossoms and will reseed prolifically if allowed to go to seed. To harvest chives, cut leaves 2 inches above the ground. Although no serious pest or disease problems are common, both downy mildew and rust can infect chives.
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