Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) Datasheet

1. Common Name: Chives, Flowering Onion, Wild Chives

2. Scientific Name: Allium schoenoprasum

3. Family: Amaryllidaceae (formerly Alliaceae/Liliaceae)

4. Origin: Native across Europe, Asia, and North America

5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–10; perennial

6. Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade

7. Water Needs: Moderate—keep soil evenly moist; drought-tolerant once established

8. Soil Preferences: Well-drained, fertile loamy soil; pH 6.0–7.0

9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
   • Aquaponics: Very compatible
   • Aeroponics: Compatible
   • Hydroponics: Compatible
   • Preferred Method: Media-bed or nutrient film technique; ensure light and drainage

10. Growth Habit: Clumping perennial with hollow, grass-like leaves; forms bulbs; flower umbels in spring

11. Height & Spread: 12–24″ tall; 12–24″ wide

12. Time from Germination to Harvest: Leaves ~60 days; flowers ~90 days

13. Flowering Time: Mid-spring to early summer; blooms produce attractive white/pink to lavender umbels

14. Edible Parts: Leaves (snipped), flowers, bulbs (mild onion flavor)

15. Medicinal Uses: Mild antimicrobial, digestive aid, appetite stimulant, potential antihypertensive

16. Companion Plants: Excellent with carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, peas; repels pests; attracts pollinators

17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Few pests; may suffer bulb mites or rust in poor drainage; deer/rabbit resistant

18. Harvest Time: Snip leaves 2″ above soil; flower buds harvested before opening have milder flavor; divide every 2–3 years

19. Propagation Methods: Seed (thin to 4–6″) or division of clumps every few years

20. Sustainability Features: Perennial, supports pollinators, low-maintenance, self-seeding; excellent ground cover/edge plant

21. Culinary Uses: Garnish for soups, salads, eggs, potatoes, cheeses; flowers used in salads and herb butter

22. Fun Fact: Chives are the only Allium species native to both the Old and New Worlds; name derived from French “cive” and Greek meaning “rush leek”

Common Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Flavor Profile: Delicate, mild onion flavor, slightly sweet.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for garnishes—soups, salads, eggs, potatoes.
Notes: Classic hollow-leaf chive with lavender flower umbels; clumping habit.
Planting Tip: Divide every 2–3 years; cut stems at 2″ above soil to encourage regrowth.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days for harvestable leaves gardening.cornell.edu+15blogs.ifas.ufl.edu+15greg.app+15

Fernleaf (Allium schoenoprasum 'Fernleaf')
Flavor Profile: Mild and delicate, similar to common chives.
Culinary Uses: Lovely in containers; perfect for garnishes and soups.
Notes: Compact variety (~18 in tall), slow to bolt, ideal for consistent harvests.
Planting Tip: Plant densely in pots or garden beds; frequent harvesting enhances foliage production.
Days to Maturity: ~40–60 days

Greensleeves (Allium schoenoprasum 'Greensleeves')
Flavor Profile: Same mild onion taste, rich green color.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for containers, pickling, and fresh use.
Notes: Compact and uniform at ~18 in tall; attractive dark green foliage.
Planting Tip: Harvest early and often to extend growing period.
Days to Maturity: ~40–60 days

Staro (Allium schoenoprasum 'Staro')
Flavor Profile: Classic chive taste, sturdy texture.
Culinary Uses: Great for mass harvesting, freezing, and culinary prep.
Notes: Heavier, thicker leaves; developed for greenhouse and processing.
Planting Tip: Use in raised beds or containers; regular harvesting keeps foliage dense.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days

Nelly (Allium schoenoprasum 'Nelly')
Flavor Profile: Traditional mild onion-chive flavor.
Culinary Uses: Versatile—soups, omelets, salads.
Notes: Fine-to-medium blue-green leaves; upright, tidy habit.
Planting Tip: Performs well in containers with regular harvesting.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days

Profusion® (Allium schoenoprasum 'Profusion')
Flavor Profile: Mild, fresh chive flavor.
Culinary Uses: Great in gardens, containers, and floral garnishes.
Notes: Sterile flowers (no seeds), prolific blooms and foliage.
Planting Tip: Ideal for indoor/outdoor pots; deadheading not required due to sterile blooms.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days

Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)
Flavor Profile: Bold garlic-onion taste.
Culinary Uses: Excellent in stir-fries, dumplings, and Asian dishes.
Notes: Flat, strap-like leaves and white flowers; forms perennial clumps.
Planting Tip: Cut flower stalks to prevent self-seeding; spreads via rhizomes.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days for leaves; seeds later

Chinese Chives 'Kobold' (Allium tuberosum 'Kobold')
Flavor Profile: Garlicy and strong.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for dumplings, stir-fries, savory pancakes.
Notes: Dwarf Chinese chive with compact growth; ideal for container gardens.
Planting Tip: Grow in full sun; spacing ~8–12″ for a dense mound.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days

Siberian Chives (Allium nutans)
Flavor Profile: Mild onion-chive flavor, similar to common chives.
Culinary Uses: Great garnish; edible bluish flowers add color.
Notes: Tall (up to 2 ft), flat leaves with purple-blue umbels.
Planting Tip: Use as ornamental accent in herb borders or pollinator gardens.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days

🌱 Varieties Overview