Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Chives are a dependable perennial herb that provides a continual harvest of mild onion-flavoured leaves and edible flowers. They perform well through the cooler subtropical months and remain productive when clumps are divided regularly.
Overview
At a Glance
Peak Planting Window
April to September
Seasonal Role
Cool-season perennial herb
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Method
Seed, division or transplant
First Harvest
8–10 weeks
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
Moderate
Heat Tolerance
Moderate
Humidity Tolerance
Moderate
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Category
Herb
Planting Calendar
Monthly Planting Guide
Month-by-month suitability for coastal subtropical Australia.
Rationale
Why This Planting Window
Chives establish most reliably through the cooler months, when mild temperatures encourage strong root development and steady leaf growth. Established clumps can remain productive for years with regular division and consistent moisture.
Reference
Growing Information
Lifecycle
Perennial
Ideal Soil Temperature
12–24°C
Germination
10–21 days
Transplant Ready
6–8 weeks
Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with mature compost
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Plant Spacing
15–20 cm
Row Spacing
25–30 cm
Frost Tolerance
High
In the garden
Plant Care
Feeding
Prepare the soil with mature compost and apply a light balanced feed during active growth when required.
Watering Guidance
Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment. Mature clumps tolerate short dry periods but remain more productive with regular watering.
Avoid Nearby
- None significant
Watch out for
Problems & Prevention
Common Pests
Aphids, thrips, onion maggots and snails.
Common Diseases
Rust, downy mildew, leaf spot and basal rot.
Common Mistakes
Allowing clumps to become overcrowded, failing to divide older plants, poor drainage, cutting below the crown and allowing plants to dry out repeatedly.
Picking
Harvest
First Harvest
8–10 weeks
Harvest Window
Continuous leaf harvest
Harvest Indicators
Harvest when leaves reach approximately 15–20 cm. Cut several centimetres above the crown so the clump can regrow.
Standard
SGGS Details
Subtropical Gardener Growing Standard — profile metadata.
- SGGS Code
- HER002
- Version
- 1
- Confidence
- High
- Seasonal Role
- Cool-season perennial herb
- Crop Champion Month
- June
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