Allium schoenoprasum (chives) — Clump forming

Overview

Allium schoenoprasum is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0-0.1 metre wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Allium schoenoprasum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include culinary, ornamental and ground cover. It is native to Afghanistan, Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Altay, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, British Columbia, Bulgaria, Buryatiya and Central European Russia.

About

Allium schoenoprasum, commonly known as chives, is a clump-forming herbaceous bulb from the Amaryllidaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres and spreads up to 0.1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is suitable for south, west, and east-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations, with spring being its season of interest.

About the genus

Allium is a large genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants with 1112 accepted species, making Allium the largest genus in the family Amaryllidaceae and among the largest plant genera in the world. Many of the species are edible, and some have a long history of cultivation and human consumption such as the onion, garlic, scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives.

Wikipedia contributors, "Allium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Allium

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Allium schoenoprasum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Bulbs, Herbs - Culinary
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: culinary, ornamental, ground cover
Native to: Afghanistan, Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Altay, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, British Columbia, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, Central European Russia
Fragrance: Mild onion-like scent

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Allium schoenoprasum

Cultivation: Prefers full sun to partial shade; plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; water regularly to keep soil moist; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Pruning: Cut leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth; remove flower heads to prevent self-seeding and prolong leaf production.
Propagation: By seed sown in spring or by division of clumps in early spring or autumn.
Pest resistance: Allium leaf miner, Onion fly
Disease resistance: Onion white rot, Onion downy mildew

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Allium schoenoprasum?

Prefers full sun to partial shade; plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; water regularly to keep soil moist; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

Where is the best place to plant Allium schoenoprasum?

Allium schoenoprasum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Allium schoenoprasum need?

Allium schoenoprasum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.