Product description
Chives Common are a classic culinary staple cultivated primarily for the mild, fresh onion flavour found in their slender, hollow leaves. This subtle pungency, which is much more delicate than standard onions, is released instantly when the stems are chopped or snipped, making them perfect for eating raw. They are traditionally used as a versatile garnish for potato dishes, omelettes, and creamy soups, where their crisp texture and vibrant green colour add both visual appeal and a savoury bite without overpowering the dish.
This hardy perennial grows as a dense, grass-like clump that expands slowly over time, making it an excellent edging plant for vegetable beds or a neat addition to kitchen windowsills. It is incredibly tough and frost-tolerant, dying back in winter before shooting up vigorously again in spring. For the best results and most prolific growth, plant it in a location with full sun or partial shade. It prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soil and benefits from regular watering to keep the stems succulent and prevent them from becoming tough or hollow.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Common Chives
Chives Common
Chives Common
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Product description
Chives Common are a classic culinary staple cultivated primarily for the mild, fresh onion flavour found in their slender, hollow leaves. This subtle pungency, which is much more delicate than standard onions, is released instantly when the stems are chopped or snipped, making them perfect for eating raw. They are traditionally used as a versatile garnish for potato dishes, omelettes, and creamy soups, where their crisp texture and vibrant green colour add both visual appeal and a savoury bite without overpowering the dish.
This hardy perennial grows as a dense, grass-like clump that expands slowly over time, making it an excellent edging plant for vegetable beds or a neat addition to kitchen windowsills. It is incredibly tough and frost-tolerant, dying back in winter before shooting up vigorously again in spring. For the best results and most prolific growth, plant it in a location with full sun or partial shade. It prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soil and benefits from regular watering to keep the stems succulent and prevent them from becoming tough or hollow.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
To keep Chives Common producing fresh, tender leaves throughout the season, cut the entire clump down to about 5cm (2 inches) above the ground immediately after they flower. This "hard reset" stimulates a completely new flush of young green stems that will be ready to harvest in just a few weeks.
How to Water
Chives Common have shallow roots and require consistent moisture to stay green and succulent. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells or if grown in pots, as allowing them to dry out completely will cause the tips to turn yellow and brown.
How to Plant
Plant Chives Common in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, incorporate some organic matter like compost to hold moisture, and plant the clump at the same depth it was previously growing.
