CHIVES SEEDS

Allium schoenoprasum

ORGANIC

Every garden needs a patch of chives. Their sweet juicy new growth in early spring is one of the most welcome heralds of spring. Summer flowers are clusters of delicate edible pink bells that are perfect for sprinkling atop soups, pastas and salads. The hollow leaves are easily bundled and snipped with scissors into an attractive and flavorful garnish. Blanch leaves to tie stuffed squash blossoms closed before they are battered and fried. Employ to a similar effect with golden bag dumplings.

These seeds germinate readily at warm room temperature in bright light. Sow 5-7 seeds per pot or cell, tucking just below soil surface. Mist generously and cover with plastic. Kept warm and moist in bright light, seeds will germinate in a week or so. Uncover and grow on at cool room temperature in bright light. Harden off for a few weeks before planting outdoors. Transplant well-rooted clusters of seedlings into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, or anytime really, except during the hottest days of summer.

Chives multiply rapidly in rich loose soil, creating a large clump in only a few years. Once established they require little attention. Flavor and texture will suffer in dry soils, but otherwise these plants are very forgiving.

Packet contains at least 100 seeds.