Chives

Chives

Botanical name: Allium schoenoprasum

Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 45 cm

Position: Full sun

Soil preference: Well drained

Description

Chives are a perennial herb growing in clumps of small white bulbs up to a height of 45 cm when in flower. The plant has dark green, hollow tubular leaves with slightly taller flower stems which bear small clusters of mauve/purple blooms. Chives have a delicate onion flavour. The plants flower in late spring to summer. Chives look good in the garden as a border or grown in clumps throughout the cottage garden.

Uses

Culinary – Chives are a classic culinary herb used for their subtle onion flavour. Chive leaves are most often snipped or chopped finely and sprinkled on top of food dishes as a garnish. The chopped leaves can be added to egg dishes, salmon, or sandwiches, sprinkled on mashed potato or baked potato or over a salad. They are always added towards the end of cooking for maximum flavour. The flowers can be sprinkled on salad or added to herb vinegars to give a delicate pink hue.

Medicinal – Chives are rich in vitamin C which benefits immune system activity, as well as vitamin K which plays a central role in blood clotting and keeping bones healthy and strong. Chives are also rich in vitamin A for improving eyesight. High in folate and manganese, chives enhance red blood cell synthesis and circulation, while also boosting muscle strength and nerve signalling functions. Chives have similar properties to garlic, but in a much milder form

Companion planting – Chives are said to be a good companion plant for roses (preventing black spot and repelling aphids), carrots (making them larger and sweeter) and apple trees (preventing black spot and apple scab). Chives should not be grown near legumes.

Growing conditions

Chives like a well-drained soil, in a sunny to part-sun position. Although they will tolerate poor soil, chives they will thrive in a rich soil. In cold regions, chives die back to the underground bulbs in winter, with the new leaves appearing in early spring.

9cm pot.

Organically grown plant in a biodegradable coir pot.