Chives - Allium schoenoprasum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Chives

Also known as: Giant chives, Rush leek, Onion grass, Seithes

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a herbaceous plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Slightly spicy to the taste, chives are commonly used to flavor foods throughout the globe (especially in Europe). In gardens, the growing plants can act as pest repellents.

Scientific classification

Species

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Late winter

Harvest Time

30 cm to 50 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1 cm to 2 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Purple, Pink, White, Violet, Red, Mauve

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Chives

Distribution of Chives

Distribution Map

The chives plant is native to thin soil habitats in much of the temperate Northern Hemisphere and is therefore widespread. It has also been introduced to some Caribbean Islands, South America and parts of Europe. This vegetable is also widely grown in temperate climates as a commercial crop and in home vegetable gardens.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rocky pastures, damp meadows

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Chives is a common perennial herb that has pretty flowers and tastes delicious, so it offers two main points of garden appeal. The purple flower brushes bloom in summer and are great attractors of bees. Perhaps the best use of this plant is as a border plant in vegetable gardens, but it can also be grown on garden patios and containers in cottage and informal gardens. Grow chives with iris, catmint, and peonies.

Symbolism

Patience, good luck, prosperity, unity

Interesting Facts

Chives has been cultivated for thousands of years and is used for both culinary and ornamental purposes. The leaves are used for flavoring all kinds of dishes, and the pretty purple blossoms are also edible. Some farmers will plant chives around garden borders and in between rocks to ward off insects and other pests.

Name Story

Chives: The name “chives” is derived from the Latin word cepa, meaning onion. Later, it becomes cive in French and it was referred to as "little onion" in European languages. The plant is related to onion, leek, and garlic and used as spices or vegetables, depending on the region.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Chives, including the following common varieties :

Chives 'Black Isle Blush'Chives 'Pink Perfection'

Toxicity

All parts of the chives plant contain sulfides, causing digestive upset in sensitive humans and gastrointestinal distress in dogs. Cats may face vomiting and blood disorders upon contact. Immediate veterinary consultation is advised if chives is ingested by pets. Sulfides' spicy taste usually deters dogs but may be eaten through table scraps. Chives includes all plant parts as toxic. Chives.

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Quickly Identify Chives

Tubular, hollow leaves emit an onion-like fragrance.

Spherical, pale purple to pink flowers on slender stalks.

Clustered star-shaped pale purple blossoms with six delicate petals.

Small, 3-valved dry capsule with seeds, blends with foliage.

Smooth, cylindrical, hollow stem exhibits vibrant green color.

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Care Guide for Chives

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Chives thrives in moisture-rich environments and requires consistent hydration, preferring evenly moist soil. Weekly watering is optimal for growth, especially during the active growing season. Outdoor cultivation allows chives to benefit from natural rainfall, enhancing its vitality.

Fertilize: Fertilize chives with high nitrogen fertilizer for optimal leaf growth. Use a balanced liquid feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, lowering application in winter. Incorporate phosphorus for blooms, and apply diluted solutions to avoid root burn. Seasonal adjustments improve growth stages and harvest yield.

Pruning: Prune chives in early to late spring to promote healthy growth. Use sharp scissors to snip leaves evenly from the base and remove dead foliage. Regular pruning prevents flowering, extends the harvesting period, and encourages robust growth. Ensure adequate hydration post-pruning for recovery.

Propagation: Chives is propagated in Spring using tubers, a straightforward method. Successful propagation is indicated by new shoots and root growth. Proper planting depth is essential for promoting healthy growth.

Repotting: Chives requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive effectively, preventing waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot and other issues.

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