DescriptionPurple Chive Seed Experience the true joy of gardening with our Heirloom Common Chives Seeds. Open pollinated to ensure the most natural and vigorous growth, these seeds bring the heritage of traditional farming right to your home garden.Purple Chive Seed Originating from a lineage of time-tested varieties, our Common Chives Seeds are a symbol of heirloom excellence. These seeds have been carefully preserved over generations, maintaining their distinctive flavor and hardiness. With their slender, green leaves and attractive purple flowers, common chives bring both taste and aesthetics to your garden.The open pollination process helps to preserve the genetic diversity of the plants, resulting in a robust growth habit and a high yield of flavorful chives. These chives can be a great addition to a variety of dishes, adding a subtle onion-like flavor that elevates your culinary creations.By choosing our Heirloom Common Chives Seeds, you are not just planting a garden, but preserving a tradition. Experience the satisfaction of growing your own herbs from open pollinated seeds and savor the difference that heirloom quality brings to your table.”Key Features:Heirloom Quality: Our common chives seeds come from a long line of traditionally cultivated varieties, ensuring authentic taste and growth.Open Pollinated: These seeds are naturally pollinated, promoting genetic diversity and plant vigor.Culinary Delight: Add a burst of flavor to your dishes with homegrown common chives, fresh from your garden.Garden tips and stories: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/2022/11/06/alaska-seeds/Chives require a period of cooler temperatures for 4-8 weeks at 40 F – 55 Fin order to flower. Chives may flower in their second year and then each year beyond the firstStalks and flowers are edibleA long lasting flower that will invite all the pollinators to your home gardenPerfect for edible cottage gardens!Roughly 50 seeds per packetGrowing ChivesSoil PreparationSoil Type: Chives thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.Soil Preparation: Work organic matter, such as compost, into the soil to improve its texture and fertility.PlantingDirect Sowing:Timing: Sow chive seeds directly in the garden after the last expected frost.Spacing: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart once they have grown a few inches tall.Transplanting:Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.Spacing: When transplanting, space the plants 6-8 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.WateringFrequency: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Chives prefer evenly moist soil.Technique: Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can help prevent disease.FertilizingInitial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time.Ongoing Fertilization: Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea once or twice during the growing season.CareWeeding: Keep the area around the plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.Pests and DiseasesPests: Chives are generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract aphids. Use insecticidal soap if infestations occur.Diseases: Chives can be susceptible to fungal diseases like downy mildew and rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risks.Starting Chive Seeds IndoorsMaterials NeededSeed starting trays or potsSeed starting mixChive seedsWatering can or spray bottlePlastic wrap or a humidity domeGrow lights or a sunny windowsillStepsFill Trays: Fill seed starting trays or pots with a high-quality seed starting mix.Sow Seeds: Sow chive seeds ¼ inch deep in the seed starting mix. If using trays, space seeds about 1 inch apart.Water: Moisten the soil gently with a watering can or spray bottle. Ensure the soil is damp but not waterlogged.Cover: Cover the trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to retain moisture and create a warm environment.Place: Place the trays in a warm location, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Chive seeds usually germinate in 7-14 days.Light: Once the seeds germinate, remove the plastic cover and place the trays under grow lights or in a sunny windowsill. Chives need about 6-8 hours of light per day.Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom if possible to avoid disturbing the seedlings.Thinning: Once the seedlings have grown a couple of inches tall, thin them to prevent overcrowding, leaving the strongest plants.Transplanting: When seedlings have 3-4 true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Transplant them into the garden, spacing them 6-8 inches apart.By following these steps, you’ll be able to grow healthy, productive chive plants that will provide a fresh, onion-like flavor to your culinary dishes and add beauty to your garden.
