Chives in Zone 7B — Desert Southwest

Chives are a must-have in any Desert Southwest garden. Their mild onion flavor elevates everything from eggs to tacos, and they're incredibly easy to grow in our climate. Plus, the purple flowers are a beautiful bonus that attract beneficial pollinators.

Desert gardening presents unique challenges, but with proper timing, even delicate herbs like Chives can thrive. Our long growing season, with a warm spring and extended fall, gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh chives nearly year-round.

Starting Chives indoors is an option, especially if you're eager to get a head start. Begin in late December through mid January, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant. This gives your seedlings a strong start before our very-early spring warmth kicks in.

Use seed trays with good drainage and a well-draining seed-starting mix. Provide consistent warmth and plenty of light – a grow light is ideal. Water gently from the bottom to avoid disturbing the delicate seedlings and prevent fungal issues; this method works especially well in our dry climate.

Transplant your Chives seedlings outdoors in early to late March, once 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 intense Desert Southwest sun.

Plant your Chives 8-12 inches apart in well-draining soil. Remember, buying established starts or dividing existing clumps will get you to harvest much faster than starting from seed.

Direct sowing Chives is a perfectly viable option, and it can be done from mid February through mid August. However, be aware that Chives are slow to establish from seed, so patience is key. Prepare your soil well, ensuring it's loose and free of rocks.

Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to 8-12 inches apart once they're a few inches tall. Again, divisions or starts are much faster if you're after immediate gratification.

Chives need consistent moisture, but they don't like to be waterlogged, which can be tricky to balance in our arid climate. During the hot summer months, from June through early September, water deeply two to three times a week. The extreme heat will dry out the soil quickly. In the spring and fall, reduce watering to once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.

Use the finger test to gauge soil moisture: stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, delivered slowly at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage and encouraging fungal diseases in our low-humidity environment. Overhead watering during the monsoon season (July-August) can be beneficial, but monitor for any signs of rust.

Signs of underwatering include wilting or yellowing leaves. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, indicated by mushy, brown bulbs. A layer of organic mulch around the base of your Chives plants will help retain moisture in the soil and regulate soil temperature.

You can expect your first harvest of Chives from early May through late November, depending on when you planted. Look for leaves that are at least 6 inches tall. This is when they'll be flavorful and easy to snip.

To harvest, use scissors or sharp shears to cut the leaves about 1-2 inches above the base of the plant. This encourages new growth. Chives are a cut-and-come-again herb, so you can harvest them continuously throughout the growing season. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, give your Chives a final trim. They may go dormant in the winter, but they'll bounce back in the spring. Divide clumps every three years to maintain vigor.

Even in the Desert Southwest, Chives can encounter a few problems. Here's how to tackle them:

Onion Fly

• What it looks like: Yellowing or wilting leaves, stunted growth. You might see small white maggots near the base of the plant or in the soil.
• What causes it: Onion flies lay their eggs near the base of onion-family plants, and the larvae feed on the bulbs and roots. Our alkaline soil can sometimes exacerbate the problem.
• How to fix/prevent it: Use row covers to prevent the flies from laying eggs. Remove and destroy any infested plants. Apply beneficial nematodes to 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. While our climate is typically dry, monsoon moisture can create favorable conditions.
• 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: Soft, mushy bulbs; yellowing and wilting leaves; foul odor.
• What causes it: Overwatering or poorly draining soil creates an environment where fungal pathogens thrive. Our heavy clay soil, combined with caliche layers, can contribute to drainage problems.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure well-draining soil. Water only when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Improve drainage by adding compost or other organic matter. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water tends to accumulate.

Desert Southwest Specific Challenges: The extreme heat of our summers can stress Chives, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. The arid humidity can also lead to rapid drying of the soil, requiring frequent watering. During the monsoon season, be vigilant about monitoring for fungal diseases.

Chives make excellent companions for several plants in the Desert Southwest garden. Carrots benefit from Chives' ability to repel carrot root flies. Tomatoes also thrive when planted near Chives, as they deter aphids and other pests. Roses enjoy the protection Chives provide against black spot. Grapes benefit because Chives deter Japanese beetles.

Avoid planting Chives near beans or peas. Chives can inhibit their growth.