Chives in Zone 6B — 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, the cheerful purple flowers attract pollinators, adding beauty and biodiversity to your yard.

Gardening in the Plains definitely comes with its own set of challenges, from variable rainfall to those extreme temperature swings. But with a little planning and attention to timing, you can absolutely enjoy a bountiful chive harvest within our 198-day growing season.

Starting chives indoors isn't strictly necessary, but it can give you a head start, especially if you're itching to get gardening in late winter. If you want to start indoors, aim for late January through mid February, about 8 weeks before you plan to transplant them outside.

Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, keeping them warm and consistently moist (bottom watering helps prevent damping off). A sunny windowsill or grow lights will provide the light they need to get going. Just remember that spring weather here in the Plains can be unpredictable, so be prepared to protect those seedlings if a late cold snap hits.

Transplanting chives outdoors should happen in late March through late April. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Space them 8-12 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the forecast – the Plains can still throw some surprise frosts your way during this time. Remember, you can always buy starts from a local nursery or divide existing clumps, which is a much faster way to get established plants.

Direct sowing chives is a viable option, especially if you're patient. Aim to sow seeds mid March through late July.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any rocks or debris. Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the surface and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Be aware that chives are slow to establish from seed, so you'll need to be patient. Divisions or starts give you a quicker harvest.

Chives need moderate and consistent moisture, especially during our hot Plains summers. They're more tolerant of moisture than many other herbs, but they definitely aren't drought-tolerant.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is more frequent, check the soil moisture regularly. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep – if it feels dry, it's time to water. In the heat of summer, you may need to water every few days, providing about an inch of water per week. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases in our low-to-moderate humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting or yellowing leaves. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so watch out for soggy soil. A layer of mulch around the plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful with the extreme temperature swings we get here.

You can expect your first chive harvest in early June through early November. Once the plants are about 6 inches tall, you can start snipping leaves.

Use scissors or garden shears to cut the leaves about 1-2 inches above the base. This encourages new growth. Harvest regularly to keep the plants producing throughout the growing season. Don't be afraid to cut them back hard – they'll bounce right back.

As first frost approaches in late October, give your chives one last good haircut. You can freeze the chopped chives for use throughout the winter. Divide clumps every 3 years to rejuvenate the plants and prevent them from becoming overcrowded.

Here are some 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 the plant, and the larvae feed on the bulbs and roots. This is more common during periods of wet weather.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy infested plants. Use row covers to prevent flies from laying eggs. Encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that prey on onion fly larvae.

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

• What it looks like: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a soft, mushy bulb.
• What causes it: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to bulb rot, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure the soil is well-draining. Avoid overwatering. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The variable rainfall and potential for extended dry periods in the Great Plains can stress chives, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Consistent watering and proper soil drainage are key to keeping your plants healthy and productive. Our hot summers can also be tough on chives, so providing some afternoon shade can help prevent them from drying out.

Chives are great companions for many plants in the Great Plains garden:

• Carrots: Chives repel carrot root flies, protecting your carrot crop.
• Tomatoes: Chives are said to improve the flavor of tomatoes and deter pests.
• Roses: Chives help deter aphids and black spot on roses.
• Grapes: Chives deter Japanese beetles that can damage grapevines.

Avoid planting chives near:

• Beans (green): Chives can inhibit the growth of beans.
• Peas: Chives can also stunt the growth of peas.