Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are hardy perennials with a delicate onion flavor, perfect for culinary use and a visually appealing addition to any herb garden. Their purple blossoms attract pollinators and can be eaten, too!
Growing Conditions:
Chives thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds or transplants in spring after the last frost, spacing 8-12 inches apart. Chives grow well in containers and garden beds and can even tolerate light shade.
Caring for Chives:
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather. Trim plants regularly to promote new growth and prevent flowering if you prefer leafy harvests. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to keep them vigorous.
Harvesting Tips:
Snip leaves at the base with scissors when they’re 6 inches tall or more. Leave about 2 inches of growth to allow regrowth. Flowers can be harvested once fully open and used fresh or dried.
Medicinal Uses:
Chives support digestion and circulation and are high in vitamins A and C. Like other alliums, they may have mild antibacterial and heart-healthy benefits.
Chive Blossom Vinegar Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh chive blossoms
- 2 cups white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Rinse chive blossoms and pat dry.
- Place them in a clean glass jar and pour vinegar over them.
- Seal and let steep in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks.
- Strain and store in a glass bottle.
Use this vibrant, onion-flavored vinegar in dressings, marinades, and sauces.
Culinary Uses:
Chives are delicious in scrambled eggs, baked potatoes, soups, and dips. Their mild flavor pairs well with dairy and can brighten up sauces and salads. Both leaves and flowers are edible.
Safety Tips:
Chives are safe for most people but should be consumed in moderation by those with allium sensitivities.
Quick Summary:
Chives are a low-maintenance herb with mild flavor, attractive blooms, and culinary versatility. Their ability to enhance food and support health makes them a valuable addition to any garden.
We have multiple new series starting now to give you the best in information and instructional posts in all areas of homesteading. Join our community so that you never miss anything, plus get some great exclusive insight!
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT
We also, as a homesteading family, have a variety of blogs that might interest you. A Life on the Farm focuses on the more personal side of the homesteading life. We discuss subjects like family, parenting, relationships, homeschooling, cooking, canning and so much more.
Two Oaks Farm Talk concerns the more technical side of homesteading. We discuss subjects like gardening, food prep, and farm building and construction with lots of tutorials!
Farm Raised Family is basically a hub for everything under the Two Oaks Farmstead umbrella. You can learn a great deal about all parts of the farmstead there. The Farm Raised Family blog focuses on financial matters such as budgeting, saving, and more and on current events affecting families.
You can also have a more in depth look at all that we do by visiting our Two Oaks Farmstead YouTube Channel and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss a thing!
Farm Life and Freedom is the new podcast we are in the process of launching! It is going to be so much fun! You could also check in with our Farm Life and Freedom Youtube Channel.
Two Oaks Farmstead is the farm store… the one that holds the umbrella! Check us all out and join us, not only on our blogs and Farm Life and Freedom podcast but come join the fun on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter… wherever you get social!
