Onion Chive Herb Seeds

Onion Chives are hardy, clump-forming perennial herbs grown for their slender hollow leaves, mild onion flavour and edible purple flowers. Once established, they can provide repeated harvests for several seasons.

Quick Start

• Sowing season: Spring, summer and autumn
• Sowing depth: 5–6mm
• Germination: 7–14 days; allow up to 21 days in cooler conditions
• Germination temperature: approximately 18–21°C
• Plant spacing: 15–30cm between established clumps
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature height: approximately 25–40cm
• First useful harvest: approximately 60–90 days
• Life cycle: Hardy perennial

When to Sow

For most Australian climates, sow during:

Spring, summer and autumn

General guidance:

• Cool climates: spring through early autumn
• Temperate climates: spring through autumn
• Subtropical climates: a broad sowing period, particularly autumn through spring
• Tropical climates: sow during suitable mild conditions
• Hot and arid climates: favour spring and autumn rather than extreme summer heat

Sowing

Onion Chives can be direct sown or raised as seedlings.

For direct sowing:

1. Prepare fertile, loose, well-drained soil.
2. Sow several seeds together to form small clusters.
3. Plant approximately 5–6mm deep.
4. Water gently.
5. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
6. Thin or reposition seedlings if required.

For tray sowing:

1. Fill cells or small pots with fine seed-raising mix.
2. Sow several seeds together in each cell.
3. Cover approximately 5–6mm deep.
4. Keep evenly moist.
5. Provide good light after germination.
6. Transplant the small clumps once established.

Germination

Expect germination in approximately:

7–14 days

Allow up to 21 days in cooler conditions.

Aim for approximately:

18–21°C

Maintain even moisture while seedlings establish.

Position & Spacing

Grow in:

Full sun to partial shade

Allow approximately:

15–30cm between established clumps

Closer spacing suits smaller plants or edging, while 25–30cm gives mature clumps more room to expand.

Use fertile, moist but well-drained soil.

Watering

Keep the soil reasonably moist during establishment and active leaf production.

Water thoroughly when the upper soil begins to dry, then allow excess water to drain.

Avoid:

• repeated severe wilting;
• permanently waterlogged soil; and
• leaving containers sitting in water.

Container-grown chives may need more frequent watering during hot weather.

Feeding

Chives perform well in fertile soil containing organic matter.

Incorporate mature compost or another suitable soil amendment before planting where required.

Established container plants can be fed periodically during active growth, particularly after repeated harvesting.

Harvesting

Begin useful harvesting from approximately:

60–90 days after sowing

Cut healthy leaves close to the base using clean scissors.

Avoid removing all foliage at once. Allow fresh leaves to develop before another heavy harvest.

Regular cutting encourages tender replacement growth.

Flowers

Mature Onion Chives produce rounded purple to mauve flower heads.

The flowers are edible when clean and suitable for culinary use.

Individual florets can be used in salads, egg dishes, potatoes, soups, dips and savoury garnishes.

If leaf production is the priority, remove flower stems as they develop.

Growing Onion Chives in Pots

Onion Chives are particularly well suited to containers.

Use a pot approximately:

20–30cm wide or larger

with:

• good drainage holes;
• quality potting mix;
• full sun to partial shade; and
• regular watering.

Several seedlings can be grown together to create one productive clump.

Dividing Established Clumps

Older plants can eventually become crowded.

Every few years, lift established clumps, separate them into healthy sections and replant with adequate spacing.

This helps rejuvenate the plants and provides additional chive clumps.

Onion Chives vs Garlic Chives

Onion Chives have slender hollow leaves and a mild sweet onion flavour.

For flatter leaves and a stronger garlic-onion character, see Garlic Chive Herb Seeds.

Harvest & Storage

Fresh Onion Chives are best harvested close to when they will be used.

Keep cut leaves cool and avoid crushing the hollow foliage.

Chives can also be finely chopped and frozen. Drying is possible, but fresh or frozen chives generally retain more of their characteristic flavour.

Seed Storage

Store unused seed sealed in a cool, dry and dark place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.