Chives – MIg

Description

Chives are a hardy perennial herb prized for their slender, hollow green leaves and delicate onion-like flavor. The leaves are excellent for salads, soups, sauces, omelets, potatoes, dips, and fresh garnishes. Chives also produce attractive purple-pink flowers that are highly appealing to bees and other pollinators. Their compact growth makes them ideal for containers, herb gardens, balconies, and small growing spaces.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Outdoors: Direct sow seeds in October.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 7–14 days.
• Spacing: Space plants 15–20 cm apart, with 20–30 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during establishment and active leaf growth.
• Feeding: Add compost before planting and apply a light balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
• Harvest: Begin harvesting approximately 60–75 days after sowing, once the leaves are well established.
• Harvesting Tips: Cut leaves 2–3 cm above the soil using clean scissors. Avoid removing all the leaves at once, allowing the plant to continue producing fresh growth.
• Maintenance: Remove flower heads if you want to maximize leaf production. Divide established clumps every few years to maintain vigorous growth.