Chive Seeds

Unlike onion and shallot seeds, Chive seeds can be sown and grown indoors all year round. Sow Chive seeds 0.5cm (1/4in) deep in small pots of compost, water them well, and place them in a warm spot with a temperature of 15-20°C (60-68°F). Seedlings usually appear within 14–21 days. Once germinated, grow them in cool but not cold conditions. 

To sow outdoors, plant seeds directly into finely prepared, warm, well-drained soil from March to May and transplant in May or June. Sow at a depth of 0.5cm (1/4in) and water well. Once seedlings appear, thin them to 20cm (8in) apart.

Harvest chives by cutting leaves once they reach 15cm (6in) tall. For outdoor crops, harvesting begins from June. Pick a few leaves from each plant at a time to encourage quick regrowth.

Chives are an indoor herb that can be sown, grown, and harvested indoors at any time of year. While they grow best in warm, sunny weather, typical indoor temperatures are warm enough for them to grow even during autumn and winter. 

For Chive seeds that you intend to start indoors, sow them in spring, from March to May and transplant them outside.

Chives are a herb, and herbs are generally easy to grow from seed. Despite often originating from Mediterranean or even tropical countries, herbs can adapt to the British climate easily – when grown indoors! Once sprouted, they are easy to care for, too, with no need for fertilising, cutting back, repotting, transplanting, or anything else that comes with growing typical vegetable seeds.