How to Grow and Use Chives
by Patsy Collins on Sep 30, 2009 with 0 Comments
Chives are delicious in a whole variety of savoury dishes.
Image via Wikipedia
These are hardy perennials. This easy to grow plant can be raised from seeds or divisions of an established plant. They will grow well in full sun or shade. They don’t flower well in deep shade.
Plants will self seed around the garden unless flowers are removed once the colour fades. For a regular supply of tender leaves the plants should regularly be cut hard back. If this is done after each flowering they will repeat flower two or three times. To prevent flowering cut them more frequently.
The leaves are often snipped with scissors and used as a garnish for soup. They are delicious added to mashed potatoes, fish pie, cream cheese or a whole variety of savoury dishes. Fresh leaves are best, but it is possible to snip leaves into ice cube trays and freeze in water. Plants may also be potted up and brought indoors to prolong the season.
Image via Wikipedia
Allium schoenoprasum is the most usual variety. It has hollow leaves, fluffy looking heads of pretty move flowers and a fresh oniony flavour.
Image via Wikipedia
Allium tuberosum is also known as garlic chives. The flat leaves do taste and small of mild garlic. This type produces small umbels of white flowers in late summer and is happiest in a sunny position.
Liked it
Published in: Gardening
