CHIVES, Wild

Allium schoenoprasum

Seeds per pack ~60

Germination: 98% Packed for 2024-2025

Allium schoenoprasum, commonly known as wild chives or simply chives, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae, which also includes onions, garlic, and leeks. Chives are a widespread plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and they are the smallest species of the edible onions.

Wild chives are perennial plants, meaning they come back year after year, and they grow in clumps from underground bulbs. They have slender, hollow, and tube-like green leaves that can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall. These leaves emerge from the soil early in the spring and can continue to grow throughout the growing season.

The plant produces round, purple-pink flowers that bloom in the late spring or early summer. These flowers are arranged in a dense, globe-shaped cluster, known as an inflorescence, at the top of a stem that rises above the level of the leaves. The flowers are not only attractive but also edible, with a mild onion flavor similar to the leaves.

Chives are known for their delicate onion-like flavor and are commonly used as a herb in cooking. They can be chopped and used to garnish soups, salads, potato dishes, and omelets, among other dishes. Both the leaves and the edible flowers add flavor and color to culinary creations.

In addition to their culinary uses, chives are also valued for their ornamental appeal in gardens. They are easy to grow and can be planted in flower beds, herb gardens, or containers. Chives are also known for their ability to deter pests, making them a beneficial companion plant in vegetable gardens.

Nutritionally, chives are rich in vitamins A and C, contain trace amounts of sulfur, and offer health benefits similar to those of other members of the allium family, such as antioxidant properties.

Wild chives are quite hardy and can thrive in a wide range of conditions, although they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be easily propagated by dividing clumps in early spring or fall, ensuring the plant's spread and continuity in a garden setting. Grow indoors or outdoors for year-round onion flavoring. Use chopped leaves and young flowers to add flavor and decorative garnish to salads. Medicinal: A tonifying and healthful herb. The essential oil is highly antibacterial.