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Allium schoenoprasum (Chives)

Allium schoenoprasum Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum AL-ee-um skoy-no-PRAY-sum Common Name: Chives Genus: Allium
The purple or white pom-pom flowers of chives top aromatic stems in summer. The leaves are edible and have a mild onion flavor; the flowers can be used as garnishes. Plants grow in dense clumps to 2 feet high. Use chives in a cottage, herb, or vegetable garden, or in containers.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Edible foliage; showy flowers; self-sows.
 Care: Provide full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
 Propagation: Easily started from seed. Sow in late fall to mid-winter. Spring-sown seedlings may not emerge for a year. Divide clumps in spring or fall.
 Problems: Nothing serious.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Fragrant Foliage; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Suitable as Annual
Style Herb Garden, Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Bulbs

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