Also known as Chive · Common Chive · Giant Garlic
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to pets. See toxicity details.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are hardy, perennial herbs with a mild onion flavor. They form attractive clumps of grass-like leaves and produce delicate purple flower hea
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and flavor. Can tolerate some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Ideal growing temperatures are between 15-24°C. They are hardy and can tolerate cooler conditions.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Leaves and bulbs contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Chives prefer consistently moist soil. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. In hot weather, they may require more frequent watering.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Harvest chives regularly by cutting the leaves about 2-3 cm above the soil line. This encourages bushier growth and continuous production.
Remove any spent flower stalks to redirect energy into leaf development and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Chives are easily propagated by division. In spring or fall, carefully dig up the plant and separate the root clumps.
Replant the divisions immediately into well-prepared soil, ensuring each division has sufficient roots and shoots.
Chives are generally perennial and can be grown in the ground or containers. If container-grown, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excess moisture retention.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Allium |
| Species | Allium schoenoprasum |
Similar in genus Allium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
