How to Grow Chives in a Pot

Chives are a grasslike member of the onion family. The herb produce a mild onion or garlic flavor, depending on the variety. The leaves are used whole or diced in both fresh and raw dishes, or they are frozen or dried for later use. Chives grow as a perennial herb, especially when grown in pots, in a protected indoor area. The plants produce small, purple flowers in summer that give the pots of fresh herbs an ornamental look when displayed within the home.

Pot
Potting soil
Plastic bag
Shears

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a 6- to 8-inch diameter pot with a moistened peat-based potting soil. Fill the pot with soil to within 1 ½ inches of the rim.
- 2
  Sow six to eight chive seeds on the soil surface, spacing the seeds 2 inches apart. Cover the seeds with a ¼ inch layer of soil.
- 3
  Mist the soil surface with water to thoroughly moisten it. Cover the top of the pot with a clear plastic bag. Set the pot in a warm room to germinate, which typically takes one to three weeks.
- 4
  Remove the bag once the first chive sprouts appear. Move the pot to a sunny windowsill.
- 5
  Water the chives when the top 1/4 inch of soil dries. The excess moisture drains from the bottom of the pot, so empty the drip saucer beneath the pot after each watering.
- 6
  Thin the chives when the plants reach 2 inches in height. Pluck out the excess plants so only three to four plants remain in the pot. Use the thinned chives to add flavor to your favorite recipe.
- 7
  Harvest chives as needed once the plants beginning 60 days after planting. Cut off up to half the foliage on each plant to within 1 to 2 inches of the soil surface. The foliage grows back after harvest.

How to Space Cilantro Plants

How to Grow Parsley, Basil & Rosemary Indoors

Growing Herbs