Chives

Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a perennial member of the onion family that sport beautiful purple flowers. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about 10-12 inches tall.

Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic.  They are a perennial member of the onion family that sport beautiful purple flowers. They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about 10-12 inches tall. They grow in clumps from underground bulbs and produce round, hollow leaves that are much finer than onion. Chives prefer a full sun location and are tolerant of a wide variety of soils but will grow best in soils that are high in organic matter. Soil needs to be moist, fertile, rich, and well-draining. For the best growth, the soil should be around 60º to 70ºF.Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and final plant spacing should be 4 to 6 inches apart in all directions. It is important to give chives consistent watering throughout the growing season for high yields. Moisten the soil thoroughly when watering. Use mulch to conserve moisture and keep the weeds down. Minimal care is needed for fully grown plants. After the flowers bloom, be sure to remove them so that the seeds aren’t spread throughout your garden.

Diseases/pests

  • Bulb rots (caused by soil borne fungi)
  • White rot
  • Mildew
  • Rust
  • Smut
  • Various fungal leaf spots (such as purple blotch and gray mold)
  • Onion fly
  • Thrips

Harvest chives throughout the season to prevent the leaves from becoming tough and to encourage formation of new bulb lets.  Cut leaves toward the base about one inch above the soil. Flowers can also be harvested for use as an edible garnish.  Leaves are used fresh and can be dried but will discolor and quickly absorb moisture.  Chives can also be frozen for later use. Leaves can be used to flavor salads, dips, soups, stews, vinegars, cheese dishes sour cream and butter.  Flavor is much milder and more subtle than other members of the onion family.

NAOMY F1.

Is a superior Chives Variety, with the following benefits;

  • Yield 1.8kg Gross
  • Pack out Rate 70%
  • Resistance to bad weather and tip burns
  • Has good Uniformity
  • High Growth Vigor
  • Less to zero Precipitation. Maintaining Gross weight.
  • Has deep color.

Last updated on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 12:15 am

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