Chives are a hardy, flavorful herb that’s easy to grow, even in small spaces. Growing them from seed in pots is a great way to have fresh chives right at your fingertips, whether you have a garden or just a windowsill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing chives from seed in pots:
Step 1: Choose the Right Pot and Soil
- Pot: Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A 6-8 inch pot is perfect for growing chives.
- Soil: Use well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil. Chives prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
Step 2: Plant the Seeds
- Prepare the Soil: Fill the pot with soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Plant the Seeds: Scatter the chive seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. Gently press them into the soil, but don’t bury them deeply—just a light covering will do.
- Water: Mist the soil gently with a spray bottle to moisten it. Avoid soaking it.
Step 3: Create Ideal Germination Conditions
- Light: Place the pot in a bright spot, as chives need plenty of sunlight to germinate. If growing indoors, a sunny windowsill works well.
- Temperature: Keep the temperature around 65-75°F (18-24°C). Chive seeds germinate best in warm conditions.
- Humidity: Cover the pot with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to maintain humidity and warmth. Once you see sprouts, remove the cover.
Step 4: Care for the Seedlings
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Chive seedlings need steady moisture, but avoid overwatering.
- Thinning: Once the seedlings are a couple of inches tall, thin them out, leaving the strongest plants. This helps them grow stronger and prevents overcrowding.
Step 5: Provide Sunlight
- Sun Exposure: Chives need about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, consider using a grow light to supplement natural sunlight.
- Outdoor Transition: If growing indoors, gradually acclimate your chives to outdoor conditions once they’re strong enough. This helps them thrive once transplanted into a larger garden pot or garden bed.
Step 6: Harvesting Chives
- First Harvest: You can start harvesting chives once the plants are about 6 inches tall. Snip the outer leaves with scissors, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
- Ongoing Harvest: Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth. Avoid cutting more than a third of the plant at a time to ensure it continues to thrive.
Step 7: Maintain Healthy Growth
- Fertilizing: Feed your chives with a balanced, organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Pruning: Remove any flower stalks that appear, as this will keep the plant’s energy focused on leaf production instead of flowering.
Bonus Tips:
- Perennial: Chives are perennials, meaning they’ll continue to grow year after year. If you’re growing them in a pot, they’ll need to be overwintered indoors in colder climates.
- Companion Planting: Chives grow well alongside other herbs and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers.
With just a bit of effort, you’ll have a pot full of fresh, aromatic chives to add to your dishes. Whether you’re growing them indoors or outside, chives are a simple and rewarding herb to grow from seed!