Chives

[Dorothy rouse]

Is it best to sow new seeds every year? I have some in a pot from last year that are beginning to grow back, but thinking about new ones?

[veggiechicken]

They're perennial and form clumps. They should bulk up this year but you can always sow more as well

[Bren In Pots]

Our chives have got to be 20 to 25 years old they're growing in different parts of the garden and like VC says they just keep on coming back. One bunch has been in a neglected shallow stone trough and they seen to do really well.

[Ocelot]

I never try and grow them from seed. I often get them from the supermarket and plant them. As others say, they come up year after year.

[Martin H]

The last time I planted some "chives" from the supermarket, they grew up into some other allium with flattened leaves and white flowers. I was most disappointed.

They are really easy from seed, though, and you only have to do it the once unless you are so greedy as to eat every last one.

[Shadylane]

They sound like garlic chives Martin. I've been trying to grow them for ages. They never seem to come back or I have trouble germinating. I think I finally spotted one sneak up last year, so I put a stick next to it to remind me when it grows back.

As for normal chives, we have them everywhere and like everyone has said you don't need to sow fresh. You can also divide the clump when it gets too big. They self seed pretty freely aswell. I tend to grow them more for the flowers and bee activity than anything else.

[Martin H]

They sound like garlic chives Martin.

Ah that must be it.

As for normal chives, we have them everywhere and like everyone has said you don't need to sow fresh. You can also divide the clump when it gets too big. They self seed pretty freely aswell. I tend to grow them more for the flowers and bee activity than anything else.

Me too. In my last garden I had them as an edging to my herbaceous border next to a path. They looked great from spring to autumn and the bees love them.

[Dorothy rouse]

Wonder how 'garlic chives', smell and taste garlicky? Very clever they are.

Anyhow the existing pot of chives have suddenly sprung into life, maybe because it's March, but am going to sow some more in pots, and try and find done room on plot for them, maybe near the carrots!

[cariann88]

I am growing some garlic chives. Never had them before

[Bren In Pots]

I am growing some garlic chives. Never had them before

Me too Carrie mine where sown at the end of August and are about 4inch high, and I'm looking forward to taste them.

[rustylady]

Wonder how 'garlic chives', smell and taste garlicky? Very clever they are.

Anyhow the existing pot of chives have suddenly sprung into life, maybe because it's March, but am going to sow some more in pots, and try and find done room on plot for them, maybe near the carrots!

How big is the pot Dotty? Chives make big clumps in the open ground, and even in pots the roots get very crowded. Might be worth splitting and making 2 pots with fresh compost?

[veggiechicken]

Wonder how 'garlic chives', smell and taste garlicky? Very clever they are.

Garlic chives are Verrrrrrrrrrrrrry clever. The leaves smell and taste of garlic but the flowers smell like roses

[Dorothy rouse]

Pot isn't very big yet, I mean the clump isn't very big.

Have just put garlic chives in bigger pot, they are really nice by the way, for those growing for first time.

Have also sown some more ordinary chives in pots.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have had garlic chives for some years, the only time I had to replant was when some nasty horrible weed invade the pot. I missed it and by the time I had it in my sights the easiest way was to empty the pot and replant.

I sent some seed to the VSP last year don't know if there is any left, but VC will be restocked in the Autumn.

[veggiechicken]

Still some Garlic chives in the VSP