Chives

[tim]

Now this is what I call chives!

[tim]

[bennettsleg]

Now this is what I call chives!

Bought two identical plants last year at the same time, same place and planted them at the same time. One of them grows chives like yours, the other is a bit more refined.  A gap of earth has developed between them... May have to bring in peace keeping forces soon! :)

[Curryandchips]

One of the nicest ways I enjoy chives is mixed in with the new potatoes, but of course there are so many ways to enjoy them. Ours are planted just outside the back door for easy access from the kitchen.

[dingerbell]

My Chives, donated by a friendly Lottie neighbour last year have now pooped up and are looking very healthy. Can I divide the clumps to give me extra plants?

[Sprout]

I've not tried it with mine but I believe that they can be divided into smaller clumps or even down to individual bulbs.

[Debs]

..are there leeks there too?

What are/did  you make??

Debs

[supersprout]

Chives are easily propagated thru root division dinger, you're right!
Best to do it when you can see the leaves, so now or Autumn when the plants are a bit sleepy is a good time, before they get ideas about flowering.
If you've not done it before:

Dig up the clump
Take two forks
Put them back to back in the middle and prise apart, so the clump divides (there will be a horrible tearing noise as the roots part)
Repeat as many times as you want, depending on the size of the clump you're dividing
Re-plant and water in

The new clumps shouldn't be too small, about the size so you can get your hand around the bunch of chives (diameter of a golf ball).

Hope this helps - I don't have any chives on the new plot and may have to grow them from seed for the first time this year >:( :)

[tim]

Debs - chives on the mash & leeks in vinaigrette. And wet garlic (unseen) on the chops!

Sprout - do you want chives??

[Debs]

Yes sprout, I also have some garlic chive seeds if you want some...

Debs

[supersprout]

Thanks for the offer debs, I do have seeds for garlic and ornery chives, just need to get a round tuit :-[
I have tried lurking about my friends' chive beds looking wistful but no-one has taken the hint yet :'(

[Debs]

...if you want some, I could dig you a clump from my establised chive bed.

Just say the word and I'll give it a haircut ;D

[kenkew]

I moved and divided 8 clumps just 2 weeks ago. All are doing fine. I even gave most of them away. Never had chives like Tim's tho. Maybe I split them too soon. Mind you, this last lot have been in place 3 years. I wonder what song Tim sings to 'em.

[Meg]

Super chives.

[Mrs Ava]

I don't grow them on the allotment because of the dreaded rot, so I have a lovely BIG clay pot packed full of them.  They spent winter in the greenhouse to die back a little, but I have been able to cut chives for a good 6 weeks now.  Parsley was the same, over wintered in the conservatory.

I love chives in a good cheddar sanger, or with new spuds, or chopped into mash spuds, or in a salad, or sprinkled over beefsteak toms before grilling them lightly, or just on their own to chew on when I am pottering in the greenhouse!  ;D

[tim]

Ken - I think it's because they have spread beyond the established 'herb plot' into some well manured soil in the rose bed. The old lot are much smaller.

[kenkew]

Ah! I know the words, Tim. Can't put my finger on the tune, tho'.

[deboydoyd]

Have 4 or 5 big clumps of chives on the plot which look very healthy which is a little strange as we are supposed to be riddled with root rot.!!

[tim]

Sprout - in the post!