A hardy perennial herb used for flavouring soups and egg and cheese dishes.

Globular heads of rose-pink flowers appear in June and July.

They grow to a height of 250mm (10")

Chives can be grown in any fertile, well drained garden soil.

They need frequent watering during dry spells.

Pinch off the flower heads as they appear.

The plants die down completely in winter and re-appear the following spring, and are ready for cropping by May.

Week 14; Give established plants a top-dressing of well rotted compost.

Week 16; Sow seed and germinate at 10°- 12°C (50°- 54°F)

Germination can take up to two weeks

Week 19; Prick out seedlings into 50mm (2") cells or 50mm (2") apart in boxes if large enough to handle.

Week 23; Plant out into herb bed or container.

Week 29; Cut back established clumps to almost ground level, to encourage a further flush of new foliage.

Hoe or fork around the plants, and remove any weeds, if the ground is dry, give plants a good soaking.

Boost growth by applying a light dressing of general fertilizer.

Week 48; Lift plants and split them into smaller pieces.

Pot up, three or four individually into 100-125mm (4”-5”) pots of peat-based compost.

The remaining pieces can be replanted in the garden.