Chivesis a perennial plant grown for its he alth, flavor and decorative qualities. Easy-care and frost-resistant chives can be grown in the garden, on the balcony and on the window sill. Learn theproperties of chivesand learnhow to grow chivesin the garden and in a pot. We also present the bestchives varietiesfor amateur cultivation!
Chives - (Allium schoenoprasum)
Fig. pixabay.com
Chives(Allium schoenoprasum) belongs to the garlic (Allioideae) family.It is grown as a perennial in vegetable beds and, due to its attractive appearance, also in flower beds. For a long time, chives were considered a weed. Only in the Middle Ages, when its nutritional properties were appreciated, it began to be widely cultivated and used.
Chives - properties
The useful part of chives are tubular or flattened leaves , which have a slightly pungent flavor and intense aroma. The underground part of the chives consists of a shortened rhizome, from which small, oblong bulbs grow. The root system is bundled. The inflorescence shoots are hollow, tubular inside, reaching up to 50 cm in height. Violet or lilac flowers form a spherical umbel.Chives blooms in June and JulyThe fruit of the chives is a purse. Chives seeds are similar to onion seeds, but much smaller, triangular, slightly wrinkled.
High content of sugars, vitamins (B, C, K, E, A), amino acids and phytoncides makechives often considered a medicinal plant Chives are also rich in proteins, fats, and trace elements, including those that rejuvenate the body and strengthen immunity (selenium, zinc, manganese, etc.). It is eaten to improve the functioning of the immune system, kidneys, gallbladder and cardiovascular system.
Chives stimulate the appetite, improve the secretory activity of the intestines and are used to prevent colds. Fresh leaves can be frozen or dried and used as needed in the winter, whenthe healing properties of chivescan be especially valuable.
Chives - growing in the garden
The chive growing site should be sunny , although the plant can also do well in slightly shaded places. Chives grows best in fertile, sandy loam and moist soils. It is not sensitive to low temperatures and can hibernate in the ground without cover.
Chives are a good neighborhoodfor vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, parsley and dill. However, chives should not be grown next to legumes, cabbage and beets.
Co-cultivated chives protect other plants from aphids, fleas and carrot glitter. These pests do not tolerate the smell of chives. Therefore, to protect your crops, it is worthsow chives on the edge of vegetable bedsPlanting chives is also believed to protect plants against fungal diseases. For example, gooseberries - against downy mildew, roses against black spot, and apple trees against scab.
Chives can be propagated from seedsand vegetatively by dividing clumps in spring and August. To speed up the harvest by 1-3 weeks, we can cover the plants in early spring with agrotextile, perforated foil or grow chives in a foil tunnel.
Chives - (Allium schoenoprasum)
Fig. pixabay.com
Growing chives from seedlings
In early spring (March) or summer (July or August)put chive seeds in containerswith moist soil and cover with glass or foil.Sprouts appear within 7-10 days at a temperature of 12 ° C. We break the plants when one true leaf appears. After two monthswe plant the chives into the ground at a distance of 30x20 cm , several plants per point.
Sow the chives seeds straight into the groundin rows every 30 cm. We can also sow seeds on the seedbed.
Chives should be replanted every 2-3 yearsand it can be multiplied at the same time. In spring or late summer, divide the tuft into smaller parts and immediately plant it in a permanent place, spaced 30x20 cm.
In the first year after sowing chivesthe soil should be systematically loosened, mulched and watered plants. As the chives grow, they form a dense turf, so loosening and mulching is no longer necessary.
Fertilize the chives for the first timewhen the leaves reach a height of 25-40 cm. It is best to use organic fertilizers, such as e.g. biohumus. In their absence, we can use multi-component mineral fertilizers.In total, we feed the plants 3-4 times a season, the last time in September.
Chives likes moisturebut doesn't tolerate excessive watering. If there is not enough water, the chives leaves become rough and lose their flavor.
An important care treatment in the cultivation of chives isremoval of inflorescence shoots , which weaken plant growth.
Chives - growing in a pot
Chives are frost-resistant, but dry in winter. If we want to have fresh leaves, also in winter, it is best to move the plants from the balcony or garden to the apartment and subject them to brushing. Two-year-old plants should be dug out in September and moved to a cool room or put in the fridge (chives need a rest period at a temperature of 0-4 ° C). Before planting, soak the chives in warm water at 40˚C for 10-12 hours, then plant them in pots and put them on a sunny windowsill. This way we have fresh chives until spring.
Chives - (Allium schoenoprasum)
Fig. pixabay.com
Chives - varieties
Chives Fortel- is a Polish variety intended for cultivation in the field and under covers for early forcing. Medium height plants, 40-50 cm, forming dense clumps. Long, medium-thick leaves are very aromatic. A very fertile variety.
Jupiter chives- this variety is intended for cultivation in the field and for early forcing. The leaves are long, thick and aromatic. This variety is resistant to attack by leek rust and is very fertile.
Szczypiorek Wulkan- is a fertile variety intended for cultivation in the ground and under covers. Suitable for driving. It creates dense clumps of long, medium-thick leaves.
Chives Splendidus- forms thick and dark green leaves. It is a very fertile variety and regenerates well. It is highly resistant to rust.
Prazska chives- this variety hibernates well in the ground, recommended for foraging under cover and cultivation in open ground. Creates thin light green leaves.
Chives Bohemia- creates medium-thick, intense green chives. A very fertile, fast-growing variety.
Broad Leaf Chives ,Civette Chives- these are varieties for growing on the balcony and at home. They form wide, juicy, dark green leaves with a strong aroma.
People looking for good qualitychive seeds to grow in a garden or in pots , we recommend the store of our guide. We sell varieties of chives that yield very well and are resistant to diseases and unfavorable growing conditions. By sowing these seeds you will see how easy it can be to grow chives yourself :-) To see the seeds offer, click on the image below.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
