Holly's Homestead — Bulb & Allium
Chives
Allium schoenoprasum · Onion family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Perennial, direct sown or divided
MATURITY 60 days
TYPE Perennial, direct sown or divided
MATURITY 60 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Moderate
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
15–20cm
Depth
0.5cm
01A perennial clump, not a bulb
Unlike bulb onions, chives are perennial and grown for their hollow, grass-like leaves. Snip rather than pull, and a single clump keeps producing for years.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow in a clump, or plant divisions from an established patch.
Soil
Fertile, well-drained.
Timing
Sow or divide in spring; established clumps die back over winter and resprout.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Cut leaves to about 5cm above the ground rather than pulling the plant.
- Remove flower heads to keep leaf production going, or leave some — the flowers are edible and draw in beneficial insects.
- Divide clumps every 2–4 years to keep them vigorous.
- Keep soil evenly moist through the growing season.
04Problems
- Onion thrips — silvery streaking; hose off.
- Rust — orange spotting; improve airflow.
- Powdery mildew — humid, crowded conditions; divide clumps to improve airflow.
- Overcrowding — a clump left too long produces thinner leaves; divide regularly.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Leaves 15–20cm tall, roughly 60 days after sowing for a first cut.
Method
Snip leaves 3–5cm above the base with scissors; regrows for repeated harvests.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge, a few days fresh; freezes well chopped for longer storage.
Preserving
See Freezing Produce (chopped and frozen) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CarrotTomatoLettuceAvoid nearby
BeansPeasRotation note
Perennial clump — left in place for years rather than rotated annually.
