Chive
- One of the easiest herbs to grow, chives are an excellent first step towards establishing an overflowing herb garden.
- Chives are perennial: not only do they return year after year, but they will multiply themselves over the years to develop larger clumps which can be divided into new plants.
- Established chive plants produce plume-like purple flowers (in spring or summer) that are edible.
- The flowers can be used in omelets or quiches, added to roasted or mashed potatoes or used as a unique garnish on charcuterie boards.
- Chives love cooler weather so you can get them out into the fresh spring air early.
- They are drought tolerant but do have shallow roots. So monitor moisture levels.
- In order to help the plants establish, harvest more sparingly in the first year. In subsequent years you will be able to harvest more frequently and aggressively.
- Harvest from the base (that is, don’t snip the leaves midway).