Chives in Zone 5B — Great Plains

Chives are a fantastic addition to any Great Plains garden. Their mild onion flavor elevates everything from scrambled eggs to baked potatoes, and they're incredibly easy to grow. Plus, those pretty purple blossoms attract pollinators, which is always a win!

Our extreme weather can be a challenge, but chives are pretty resilient. With a 178-day growing season, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy fresh chives from spring to fall. Just pay attention to watering needs during those hot summer months.

Starting chives indoors gives you a head start, but it's not always necessary. If you're eager for an early harvest, sow seeds indoors in early to late February, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. This is especially useful if you're further north and have a shorter growing season.

Use seed trays filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm and provide plenty of light, either with a grow light or a sunny windowsill. Bottom watering helps prevent damping off, a common problem with seedlings. Remember, our springs can be variable, so be prepared to protect your seedlings if we get a late cold snap.

Transplant your chive seedlings outdoors in early April through early May, after the danger of hard frost has passed. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the wind and temperature swings we often experience.

Space your chive plants 8-12 inches apart in well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as we can still get some chilly nights in April. If a frost is predicted, cover your young plants with a blanket or cloche for protection. Buying established starts or dividing existing clumps is a much faster route than starting from seed.

Direct sowing chives is a simple option, especially if you're not in a rush. Sow seeds late March through mid July, anytime the soil has warmed up a bit. Chives aren't too picky, but they do need consistent moisture to germinate.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 8-12 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Be patient, as chives can be slow to establish from seed. If you want chives quickly, divisions or starts are the way to go.

Chives need moderate and consistent watering, especially during our hot Great Plains summers. They're more tolerant of moisture than some other herbs, but they still don't like to dry out completely. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

The "finger test" is your best friend. Stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering if possible. This helps prevent fungal diseases, which can be an issue even in our low-to-moderate humidity.

During the hottest part of the summer, you might need to water every few days. If the leaves start to droop or turn yellow, it's a sign of underwatering. On the other hand, if the leaves turn brown and mushy, you're likely overwatering. A layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially useful during our extreme temperature swings.

You can expect your first chive harvest starting in mid June and continuing through late October. Look for leaves that are at least 6 inches tall. These are ready to be snipped.

Harvest by cutting the leaves about 1-2 inches above the base of the plant. This encourages new growth and keeps your chives producing all season long. Don't be afraid to harvest frequently – the more you cut, the more they'll grow!

As our first frost approaches (usually around mid- October), you can either bring your chives indoors in a pot or simply let them die back. They'll usually return in the spring, even after a harsh Plains winter. Every three years, divide the clumps to keep them vigorous.

Here are three common problems you might encounter with chives in the Great Plains:

Onion Fly

• What it looks like: Wilting or yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and small white maggots at the base of the plant.
• What causes it: Onion flies lay their eggs near the base of onion family plants, and the larvae burrow into the bulbs and roots.
• How to fix/prevent it: Use row covers to prevent flies from laying eggs. Remove and destroy any infested plants. Beneficial nematodes can also help control onion fly larvae in the soil.

Rust

• What it looks like: Rusty orange, yellow, or brown pustules on leaves and stems, mostly on undersides. Leaves yellow and drop prematurely.
• What causes it: Various rust fungi that spread via wind-borne spores. Favored by warm, humid conditions with moisture on leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Improve air circulation. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide. Don't work among wet plants. Rotate crops.

Bulb Rot in Wet Soil

• What it looks like: Yellowing and wilting leaves, mushy bulbs, and a foul odor.
• What causes it: Overwatering or poorly drained soil creates conditions that favor fungal and bacterial growth, leading to bulb rot.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure good drainage by planting chives in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Improve soil drainage by adding compost or other organic matter.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: Our hot summers and variable rainfall can create challenges for chives. The heat can stress the plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Be sure to provide adequate water during dry spells and monitor your plants closely for any signs of trouble.

Chives are great companions for many plants in the Great Plains garden. Carrots benefit from chives because they repel carrot root flies. Tomatoes grow better when planted near chives, which deter aphids and other pests. Roses also benefit from chives, as they help to prevent black spot and other fungal diseases. Grapes also benefit as chives deter pests.

Avoid planting chives near green beans and peas. Chives can inhibit the growth of these legumes. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a thriving and healthy garden, even with our challenging Plains climate.