More than just garnish, garlic chives are great pest repellants too
Growing garlic chives is probably one of the easiest herbs to grow in an apartment, and thrives even in low light conditions.
Step 1: Sow them seeds!
Garlic chive seeds are easy to handle and should be sown on the soil surface. Simply scatter them across the soil surface, sprinkle a very thin and light layer of seed starting mix over. Water it deeply after to ensure the seeds have great soil-to-seed contact for great germination. The seeds will germinate in around 14 -20 days.
Step 2: Picking the right container
Pick a container that is at least 15 cm in depth. This will allow plants to establish in a nutrient-rich potting mix, and enable water to drain through to prevent waterlogging. Chives grow in clumps so a rectangular pot would be perfect.
Keep garlic chive plants moist but not wet, and fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks with half-strength liquid fertilizer.
Step 3: Keep going!
Garlic Chives are generally fuss free and pest resistant, though thrips and mildew can affect them. Should you notice any pests or fungus, a foliar spray with neem oil solution should do the trick.
Step 4: Harvesting time
Chives are ready for harvest when they reach a height of 15 cm or more. This is usually 60 days after seeding. Leave approximately 5 cm of the plant remaining so they can grow again.
Why They Are A Perfect Container Crop
- They are a ‘cut-and-grow-again’ crop that can grow year after year without much effort.
- Chive flowers attract pollinators and other beneficial garden insects such as butterflies and beneficial wasps that feed on pests
- The strong smell of Chives also repel some of the pests that might be present in your garden or on your plants.
- They have mildly flavored edible leaves and flowers that is a great addition to salads.
