Chives in Zone 8B — Texas

Chives are a fantastic addition to any Texas garden. Their mild onion flavor elevates everything from scrambled eggs to baked potatoes, and they're so easy to grow here! Plus, the purple flowers are beautiful and attract pollinators.

Sure, we have the Texas heat, unpredictable weather, and even the occasional hail storm to contend with. But with our long 273-day growing season and proper timing, you can enjoy fresh chives for most of the year.

Starting chives indoors in Texas is an option, but honestly, it's often not necessary given our long growing season. If you're eager to get a jump start, begin in early to late December, about eight weeks before you plan to transplant.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist by bottom watering – set the tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil absorb it from the bottom. Provide warmth and plenty of light, especially since our spring can arrive early here.

Transplant your chives seedlings outdoors from mid February through mid March. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the Texas weather.

Space the plants 8-12 inches apart in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Remember, you can also buy chives starts at local nurseries or divide existing clumps from established plants – that's a much faster way to get going!

Direct sowing chives is definitely doable here in Texas. You can sow seeds directly into the garden from late January through late August.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in some compost. Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist. Be patient, though, as chives can be slow to establish from seed. Again, divisions or starts are a quicker route to fresh chives.

Chives need moderate, consistent watering, especially in the Texas heat. They’re more tolerant of moisture than some other herbs, but they still need your attention.

During the hottest part of the summer, you'll likely need to water your chives every few days. Use the finger test: stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plants to avoid creating a humid environment around the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Signs of underwatering include wilting or yellowing leaves. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so make sure the soil is well-draining. A layer of mulch around the plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially helpful during our hot summers.

You can expect your first harvest of chives around mid April through early December, about 80 days after planting. Look for leaves that are at least 6 inches tall.

To harvest, simply snip the leaves 1-2 inches above the base of the plant. New growth will emerge continuously, so you can harvest regularly throughout the growing season. To encourage healthy growth, divide the clumps every three years.

As our first frost approaches in late November, you can cut back the plants and let them rest during the winter. They'll bounce back in the spring, ready for another season of flavorful harvests.

Here are three common problems you might encounter with chives in your Texas garden:

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 burrow into the bulbs.
• How to fix/prevent it: Use row covers to prevent 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 leaves, mushy bulbs, and a foul odor.
• What causes it: Overwatering or poorly draining soil, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or flash floods.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure good drainage by planting in well-draining soil or raised beds. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, especially during rainy periods.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat and variable humidity of Texas can create conditions that favor fungal diseases like rust. Unpredictable rainfall can also lead to overwatering and bulb rot. Be vigilant about monitoring your plants and adjusting your watering practices accordingly.

Chives are great companions for several plants in your Texas garden. Carrots benefit from chives because they deter carrot rust flies. Tomatoes love chives because they repel aphids and other pests. Roses also benefit, as chives can help prevent black spot. Grapes also enjoy the pest-repelling benefits of chives.

Avoid planting chives near beans or peas. Chives can inhibit their growth, so it's best to keep them separated in your garden.