How to Grow Chinese Chives

Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum), also known as Garlic chive, is an easy herb to grow and maintain. It is frequently used in recipes where a mild garlic taste and scent are desired. It is drought tolerant and does well in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 to 8. With flat, green leaves and white flowers, its growth is so prevalent in some parts of the world that it is viewed as invasive. For this reason, you may opt to plant it in a container rather than directly into the garden.

Chinese chive seeds
Nursery flat with lid
Germinating mix
Spray bottle
Spoon
Container with drainage holes
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  
  Peat moss is a common ingredient in seed germinating mixes.
  
  Fill a nursery flat with a seed germinating mix. Moisten the mix by with water from a spray bottle.
- 2
  
  A nursery flat with a lid is an excellent way to germinate seeds.
  
  Place Chinese chive seeds on top of the germinating mix. Add 1/4-inch-thick layer of germinating mix over the seeds. Gently press down the germinating mix with the back of a spoon or a thumb. Cover the flat with the lid and place in warm, well-lit location.
- 3
  
  Mist the Chinese chives with a spray of water to avoid damaging young seedlings.
  
  Mist with water as needed to keep moistened as the seeds germinate. The mix should remain wet to the touch but not soggy. Wait approximately four weeks for the seedlings to sprout and grow before transferring into a planter.
- 4
  
  Use a planter that has holes in the bottom for proper drainage.
  
  Fill a well-draining planter of your choice with soil that has a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. Dig out small holes large enough to accommodate the root system of the seedlings. Carefully remove the chives from the nursery flat and transfer into the new planter. Space multiple plants in the same container at least 6 inches apart. Gently press the soil to brace the plants.
- 5
  
  Remove flowers to avoid seeding.
  
  Position the planter in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Water as needed to keep the soil moist. After the flowers have fully bloomed, cut them off to avoid seeding.

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