Chives: A Low Maintenance Addition to an Edible Landscape

Chives are an ideal addition to a low-maintenance edible landscape. When allowed to flower, chives readily self-seed. Garlic chives are known to be particularly likely to self-seed. Once established in mild climates, as in California, chives will grow for many seasons.  They need little care other than watering until established.

Chives are native to the Mediterranean; however, unlike many other native Mediterranean herbs, chives are not drought tolerant. Place the heat-loving herbs, such as rosemary and sage in the hot, dry, exposed garden areas. Chives like regular moisture and moist but not wet soil. Chives can grow in full sun or partial shade, but are more likely to thrive in partial shade. Tuck chives into corners and moist, shady locations. An observer looking for chives in their natural environment would be apt to find them growing in wet areas, such as near a creek or in low places where water would collect.

Chive blossoms attract beneficial insects, including bees, promoting pollination throughout the garden.

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