chives

Allium schoenoprasum

VegetableAmaryllidaceae

chives
Deer-resistantRabbit-resistantDrought tolerantFragrantEdibleEvergreen
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
Growth rate
Moderate
Habit
Herb
Bloom season
Spring, summer
Bloom color
Purple
Foliage color
Green
Soil types
Sand, loam, clay, chalk
Soil pH
Acid, alkaline, neutral

Garden uses

BorderContainerCottage gardenFood gardenLow maintenanceRock garden

Attracts

ButterfliesBees

Notes

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a vegetable for borders, containers, and food gardens. It is typically grown as an annual. It is one of the more cold-hardy crops and can keep growing through light freezes with some winter protection. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. Purple flowers open in spring and again in summer, and bees and butterflies visit them.

Pairs well with Dark Opal basil, Sage, and Helene Von Stein lamb’s ear.

Native range

Temperate Northern Hemisphere.