Chive is an easy-to-grow, perennial green onion. Leaves are round like a green onion but narrower. Leaves grow to 12" tall; flower heads reach a height of 20". This is a cold hardy plant, so it can be harvested early in spring and late into fall. It's also a great permaculture plant because it is part-shade tolerant and provides an edible ground cover that reseeds readily without becoming aggressively weedy. Walnut tolerant—they can be planted near walnut trees without being affected by Juglone (the chemical in walnut trees that affects many plants). All Alliums, including chives, are resistant to deer, groundhogs, and other animals that also like to eat our food! Chive plants are easy to divide. Chive leaves can be used in the kitchen like scallions but their more delicate flavor lends to a greater variety of use. Scapes (immature flower tops) can be cooked as well. Use Chives to dress up everything from a hearty lentil soup to a creamy sauce drizzled over pan-roasted salmon. 90 days to maturity.
