Important notes
all parts: Like all alliums, toxic to cats and dogs — it damages red blood cells. Keep away from pets. ↗
Light
Bright, 12–14 h of light; tolerates some part shade.
Watering
Keep evenly moist — chives dislike drying out but won't tolerate constant wet.
Temperature
Cool to moderately warm: 15–24 °C. Very hardy.
Humidity
50–65 %.
Target values by method & stage
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6–6.5 | 0.6–1 | 18–22 | 16–22 | 60–70 | 14 | 14 |
| Seedling | 6–6.5 | 1–1.4 | 16–20 | 15–22 | 55–65 | 14 | 28 |
| Vegetative | 6–6.8 | 1.4–2 | 16–20 | 15–24 | 50–65 | 14 | 40 |
| Harvest | 6–6.8 | 1.2–1.8 | 16–20 | 15–24 | 50–65 | 13 | 40 |
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6.3–6.8 | 0.6–1 | — | 16–22 | 60–70 | 14 | 14 |
| Seedling | 6.3–6.8 | 1–1.4 | — | 15–22 | 55–65 | 14 | 28 |
| Vegetative | 6.3–7.1 | 1.4–2 | — | 15–24 | 50–65 | 14 | 40 |
| Harvest | 6.3–7.1 | 1.2–1.8 | — | 15–24 | 50–65 | 13 | 40 |
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6–6.5 | 0.6–1 | 18–22 | 16–22 | 60–70 | 14 | 14 |
| Seedling | 6–6.5 | 1–1.4 | 16–20 | 15–22 | 55–65 | 14 | 28 |
| Vegetative | 6–6.8 | 1.4–2 | 16–20 | 15–24 | 50–65 | 14 | 40 |
| Harvest | 6–6.8 | 1.2–1.8 | 16–20 | 15–24 | 50–65 | 13 | 40 |
Common problems
Bulb rot from waterlogging, mildew, thrips; stalks turn tough after flowering.
Pests & diseases
| Pest / Disease | Symptom | Organic treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Thrips | silvery streaks on the stems | blue traps, beneficials |
| Rust | orange pustules | airflow, remove affected |
Edible parts
- Leaves · edible from Vegetative
- Flowers · edible from Flowering — edible, mild
Yield techniques
Cut stalks about 2–3 cm above the base — they keep regrowing. Remove flowers to keep them tender.
Propagation & pollination
- Method
- division
- Germination time
- 14 days
- Germination temp
- 15-20 °C
- Sowing depth
- 0.5 cm
- Pollination
- insect
- Hand pollination needed
- no
simply divide the clumps
Companion planting
🟢 Good neighbours: Miniature Rose (potted), Hybrid Garden Rose (hybrid tea / floribunda), Cherry Tomato
🔴 Bad neighbours: Coriander (Cilantro)
Flavor
mild oniony, fresh
Storage
Fresh in the fridge or freeze.
History
Chives are the only allium native to both the Old and New World and have been used since antiquity.
Nutrition
Provides vitamins A, C and K.
Sources
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