Chives in Zone 7A — Mid-Atlantic

Chives are a fantastic addition to any Mid-Atlantic garden. Their mild oniony flavor elevates everything from salads to soups, and they're incredibly easy to grow in our four-season climate. Plus, the pretty purple flowers attract pollinators, making them a welcome sight in any herb garden.

Our humid summers and variable spring weather can present some challenges, but with a little attention to timing, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest from late spring well into fall. Our 208-day growing season is more than enough time to get plenty of use out of these versatile plants.

Starting chives indoors is an option, but honestly, it's usually not necessary here in the Mid-Atlantic. If you're itching to get a jump start, you can sow seeds indoors from mid January through early February, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, provide warmth, and make sure they get plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light.

To keep the soil evenly moist, try bottom watering; set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom. Keep an eye on the weather, though. Since our springs tend to be moderate, you might find direct sowing or buying starts is just as effective, with much less effort.

Transplanting chives outdoors is best done from late March through mid April. Before you move your seedlings outside, be sure to harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week, increasing the amount of time they spend outside each day.

When transplanting, space your chives plants about 8-12 inches apart. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – we sometimes get a late frost in early April, so be prepared to cover your young plants if needed. Keep in mind that buying starts from a local nursery or dividing established clumps is much faster than starting from seed, especially if you're impatient like I am!

Direct sowing chives is a perfectly viable option here in the Mid-Atlantic. You can sow seeds directly into your garden from early March through late July. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and make sure the soil is well-drained.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any rocks or debris. Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep and 8-12 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate. The downside is that chives are slow to establish from seed, so be patient. Again, divisions or starts will give you quicker results.

Chives appreciate moderate, consistent watering, which is generally easy to provide in our Mid-Atlantic climate. While they're not exactly drought-tolerant, they can handle moisture a bit better than some other herbs. The key is to find the right balance, especially with our humid summers.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder, aim to water your chives about once a week, giving them about an inch of water. During the hotter, more humid summer months, you might need to water them two to three times a week, especially if we're not getting our typical rainfall. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Water at the base of the plants rather than overhead to minimize the risk of fungal diseases, which thrive in our humid conditions. Signs of underwatering include wilting and yellowing leaves, while overwatering can lead to root rot. A layer of mulch around your chives plants will help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

You can expect your first harvest of chives from late May through early November in the Mid-Atlantic. The leaves are ready to harvest when they are at least 6 inches tall. Look for healthy, green leaves with a strong oniony aroma.

To harvest, simply snip the leaves about 1-2 inches above the base of the plant. This encourages new growth and keeps the plant producing throughout the season. Don’t be afraid to cut them back fairly hard – they’ll bounce right back. For continuous production, harvest regularly.

As the first frost approaches in late October, give your chives a final haircut. You can either let them die back naturally and come back in the spring, or dig up a clump and bring it indoors to enjoy fresh chives throughout the winter. Every three years or so, divide your clumps to keep them vigorous.

Here in the Mid-Atlantic, we have to watch out for a few common problems with chives: onion fly, rust, and bulb rot in wet soil.

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 floating row covers to prevent the flies from laying eggs. Remove and destroy any infested plants.

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 or browning leaves, mushy bulbs, and a foul odor. *What causes it:* Overwatering or poorly drained soil creates an environment where fungal pathogens thrive. *How to fix/prevent it:* Ensure your soil is well-draining. Avoid overwatering, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. If you have clay soil, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.

Mid-Atlantic Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers and humid conditions can create a perfect storm for fungal diseases like rust and bulb rot. The even rainfall we typically receive means we need to be extra vigilant about drainage.

Chives make excellent companions for several plants in the Mid-Atlantic garden. They repel pests like aphids and Japanese beetles, which are common nuisances around here. Plant them near carrots to deter carrot root flies.

Tomatoes also benefit from chives planted nearby, as chives can help deter aphids and spider mites. Roses appreciate chives as companions because they deter black spot and other fungal diseases. Grapes also benefit from having chives nearby, as they can help repel certain pests. Avoid planting chives near beans or peas, as they can inhibit their growth.