Allium schoenoprasum, or commonly known as Chives, is a must-have herb that is easy to grow and attractive as well. Their tubular leaves have a delicate onion flavor that is a great addition in cooking. This perennial has lavender flowers during the summer months that are edible with a very mild onion flavor.
Microgreens can easily be grown indoors on your kitchen counter in a growing tray or other container using soil or a soil substitute. Microgreens are packed with nutrients and can be added to various food dishes or eaten raw. Micro chives are slow to germinate and sprout but are well worth the time and effort, as the flavor is different from most microgreens.
Their nectar attracts bees and some gardeners even cut the flowers for arrangements, and they dry well too. Harvest the leaves by hand as soon as they reach about 6 inches. Chives are a 12 inch perennial herb growing in USDA zones 3 - 9.
Sowing Rate: 1 - 2 seeds per inch. Start Chives directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Press the seed into the soil, cover with 1/8 inch of soil and keep it moist. With a temperature of 70F, germination is usually in 21 days.
Chives prefer full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. Measure rows of seed 18 inches apart and thin seedlings to 6 – 8 inches when they are 2 inches tall.
