How to Germinate Chive Seeds: A Beginner’s Guide for Successful Sprouting

Do you want to grow fresh and flavorful chives like a pro? It all starts with a tiny seed and the magic of how to germinate chive seeds. Understanding this initial stage is crucial because germination is the foundation of the entire growing process. Without proper germination, your dream of homegrown herbs would not sprout! It is nothing but an initial spark that brings life to the seed, enabling it to break dormancy and start its journey into a vibrant, edible plant.

Read more to learn how to give those chive seeds the ideal conditions to wake up and grow.

Also read: How do you grow Chinese chives?

Easy Steps to Successfully Sprout Chive Seeds

1. Preparation:

• Use a small pot or tray with drainage holes at the bottom.
• Loose soil for starting seeds.
• Now, sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and lightly cover them with the mixture.
• Water the soil to moisten it, and avoid overwatering.

2. Germination:

• Keep the temperature between 60-70°F (15-21 degrees Celsius) for the proper germination process. 
• Do not forget to keep the soil continuously moist but not soggy. 
• Cover the container with a plastic bag or propagator for maintaining maintain moisture.
• Just wait! It may take 1 to 3 weeks for the little seedlings to start growing. This can vary depending on the environment.
• Do chive seeds need light to germinate? Yes, they typically need light to germinate at this stage. While some seeds germinate in darkness, chives prefer light exposure during the process. Once you see sprouts, give them light! Move them to a bright location or provide supplemental lighting.

3. After Germination:

• If too many little plants are growing close together, then carefully take out some of them so each one has its own space.
• Don’t let the soil dry out; water them regularly as they grow bigger. 

4. Transplanting:

1. Once Established: When your little plants are about 5cm (2 inches) tall, you can transplant them into larger pots or plant them where you wish to grow them.
2. Hardening off (if needed): If you want to plant them outside, you need to get them used to the weather slowly. Place them in a cooler spot and direct sunlight for a few days before planting them in the ground.

When to Harvest Chives

Chives will be ready to harvest in approximately 60 to 90 days. Leaves of the plant become ready for eating when they are large enough. To prolong the life of the plant, remove flower stalks as soon as they appear, but leave some on the plant for future growth. For short-term storage, you can wrap the chives in a damp paper towel and store them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Common Problems (Pests and Diseases)

Chive plants are resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be vulnerable to onion thrips and other pests that attack the onion family. Therefore, look for warning signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or slow growth. If you notice an infestation, you may have to treat the plants with an insecticide or other appropriate measures.

Let’s explore the most common problems gardeners always encounter when growing chives.

1. Aphids:

Aphids are tiny (2-4mm long), soft-bodied insects that congregate on the new shoots or the undersides of leaves. These pests are always found in gardens worldwide, with over 5,000 different species. Aphids come in various colors, such as green, yellow, black, brown, pink, and white. These white bugs can cause leaves to become discolored and excrete honeydew, which can attract ants and other pests.

To get rid of aphids, spray your plants with a garden hose, use soap or alcohol spray, or encourage predatory insects into your garden. 

2. Rust (Puccinia sp.):

Rust is a fungal disease that often appears on the surface of infected plant parts, particularly the leaves and stems. It looks like bumpy, brown, or orange patches that show up on the leaves and stems. Fungal spores are spread by wind or water to nearby plants. This often happens when it’s cool (10-20 degrees Celsius) and the air is moist (high humidity).

For rust prevention, give your plants enough space to avoid overcrowding and make sure they get the recommended amount of light (e.g., full sun). Do not over-fertilize your crops, remove dead plants, and practice crop rotation.

3. Onion Thrips( thrips tabaci):

These light-colored flying bugs are very small (less than 1.5mm long). They damage the plant by sucking their juice, which leaves silver patches on the leaves and hence makes the plants less productive. Thrips can live inside the leaves of onions and related plants like garlic, chives, and leeks. They might also infest the bulbs.

To keep onion thrips away from your plants, use a garden hose to wash thrips from affected plants. Spread an organic mulch around them. Plant other things to attract bugs that eat thrips.

Garlic Chives vs Onion Chives

Garlic chives and onion chives are both edible herbs from the same Allium family, but they are distinct in several key ways. Here, the key differences are discussed below:

1. Garlic Chives (Chinese Chives):

• Garlic chives can be eaten raw, and they are very similar in texture to leeks.
• They have a mild garlic flavor that distinguishes them from the oniony taste of common chives.
• Chinese chives have flat leaves, resembling thin grass, and are typically a brighter green than onion chives. Additionally, these plants can grow about 20 inches tall and require full sun with well-draining soil.
• Garlic chives flower is usually shaped like a dainty white star and form a cluster on little flower heads. These flowers bloom in late summer to early fall. 
• They are widely used in Asian foods, like stir-fries, dumplings, soups, and noodles.
• Garlic chives are also known as Chinese chives, Asian chives, Chinese leeks, and Oriental garlic.
• Suitable for USDA zones 3 through 9.

2. Onion chives/Common chives:

• Onion chives have a mild onion flavor, more delicate than most onions. 
• These (common chives) have thin, tubular, and hollow leaves instead of blades. They are typically dark green.
• They usually form dense clumps, grow 10 to 15 inches tall, and tolerate partial shade.
• They have pale purple to pink flowers (sometimes white, pink, or red) in spring to early summer.
• Common chives are primarily used fresh as a garnish or added at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavor. You often see them in egg dishes, soups, salads, dips, and on top of baked potatoes; furthermore, they are part of the French herb mix “fines herbes.”
• Onion chives are also known as common chives.
• These plants grow well across USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.

Nerdy fact

The botanical name of Chive is Allium schoenoprasum. This plant is excellent for our precious pollinators, which are animals that help flowers produce seeds.

Conclusion

Learning the complete germination process of chive seeds is the first step toward enjoying your own supply of fresh and flavorful chives. Just follow these simple steps—proper preparation, the right germination conditions, and after-sprouting care—and you’ll grow a great herb garden. Whether your choice is Chinese chives or common chives, they both start with a seed. The seed needs to wake up. It will then reach for the light. So plant away and let the magic begin!

FAQs:

Q1: How do Environmental Factors affect Seed Germination?

Ans. Temperature is the most important environmental factor; the optimized temperature for ideal germination depends on the type of seed. Some seeds require specific conditions to break dormancy and begin sprouting. In some cases, exposure to red light can also stimulate germination.