Herbs - Chives
Chives are a perennial herb that are native to and grow in the wilds of China and other Eastern countries. It is not only known for its culinary attributes, but also for its medicinal properties. Chives have even been described in folklore as being used to ward off evil spirits. I grow chives in my garden and use it in many food dishes, such as soups, stews, to dress up fresh vegetables, and casseroles, just to name a few. The green stalks and purple and/or white blossoms look great in a bottle of red wine vinegar setting in a sunny windowsill.
If you plant chives in well-drained soil, with a location that includes full sun, and quench its thirst through dry spells, then growing chives is a “no brainer.”
Having a bulbous root and green leaves, chives is very similar to the onion. There are two varieties of chives, garlic and chives (also referred to as onion). They are called this because their flavors resemble garlic and onion. Garlic chives have clusters of white flowers growing on stalks up to 30 inches high and onion chives purple flowers. The green leaf stalks of chives grow to a height of approximately 12 inches. Both the leaves and flowers can be eaten. The chive bulbs provide an easy way to propagate this plant.
In early spring or late fall, dig up the bulbs and separate into individual bulbs and replant. Plant the tips of the bulbs at soil surface level. Not only are you creating new plants, but you are relieving congestion on older ones. Chives can also be grown from seeds and then transplanted to the outside in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Chives are also a great herb for indoor container gardening in the winter months.
Aside from well-drained soil, work into the soil some organic compost or some bone meal before planting to help give your chives a jump-start. This is all that is required for soil treatment when it comes to chives.
There are not many pests that will attack chives, but they are susceptible to the onion fly if planted to close to onions and mold if water too much.
Chives has been known to help with cholesterol, anemia, act as a mild laxative, and blood pressure.