About
Allium schoenoprasum, chives, is one of the most familiar and widely grown culinary herbs, forming dense, spreading clumps of narrow, cylindrical, hollow, onion-scented leaves to around 30 cm tall. In early summer, rounded, domed heads of light purple, bell-shaped flowers are held above the foliage � both leaves and flowers are edible and add a mild onion flavour to salads, egg dishes and soups. The flowers are also rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators.
About the genus
Allium are bulbous herbaceous perennials with a characteristic onion or garlic scent when bruised, producing linear, strap-shaped or cylindrical basal leaves and star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in a rounded umbel on a leafless stem. The flower colour ranges from white and yellow to pink, purple and blue. Many species have ornamental seedheads that persist attractively after flowering.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Herbs - Culinary
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toTemp N Hemisphere
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Add grit when grown in clay soils to improve drainage. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See chive cultivation for further advice
PruningHarvest leaves regularly to promote new, fresh growth. Alternatively, cut back the clump to 5cm from the base after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed, bulbs or division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Onion white rot and onion downy mildew may occur