Practical
Plants

Allium schoenoprasum

Chives

an herb shrub of the Allium genus in the family Alliaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Alliaceae
Genus
Allium
Life cycle
perennial
Woodiness
herbaceous
Height
0.3 m
Spread
0.3 m
Fertility
self fertile
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Flower colours
indigo
Pollinators
Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera, Self

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[21].

Edible uses

Leaves - raw, cooked or dried for later use. The leaves have a mild onion flavour and are an excellent addition to mixed salads, they can also be used as a flavouring in soups etc[6][18][19][22][15][16]. The leaves are often available from late winter and can continue to produce leaves until early the following winter, especially if they are in a warm, sheltered position[K]. A good source of sulphur and iron[9]. A nutritional analysis is available[11]. The bulbs are rather small, and rarely exceed 10mm in diameter[8]. They can be harvested with the leaves still attached and be used as spring onions[K]. They have a pleasant mild onion flavour. The flowers can be used as a garnish in salads etc[5]. The flowers of this species are rather dry and less desirable than the flowers of many other species[K].

Plant part
Flowers
Preparation
Fresh
Product or use
Garnish
Plant part
Leaves
Product or use
Flavouring
Plant part
Bulbs
Product or use
Eat

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

The whole plant has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and the blood circulation. It improves the appetite, is digestive, hypotensive and tonic[9]. It has similar properties to garlic (A. sativum), but in a much milder form, and it is rarely used medicinally[13].

Plant part
Plant
Product or use
Appetizer
Plant part
Plant
Product or use
Digestive
Plant part
Plant
Product or use
Hypotensive
Plant part
Plant
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

The juice of the plant is used as an insect repellent, it also has fungicidal properties and is effective against scab, mildew etc[2][4][7][9]. The growing plant is said to repel insects and moles[2][7][8].

Plant part
Juice
Product or use
Fungicide
Plant part
Plant

Environment

Range
Most of Europe, including Britain, east to the Himalayas and Japan.
Habitat
Rocky pastures and damp meadows, preferring calcareous soils[3][23].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy, pot up the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle easily and plant out in the following spring. Division can be carried out at almost any time of the year but is probably best done in spring. The clumps should be divided at least every 3 or 4 years in order to maintain vigour[8], the divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Cultivation

An easily grown plant[10], it prefers a sunny position in a rich moist but well-drained soil[2][17], though it succeeds in most soils[1][17][8] and also in light shade[10]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[10]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.2 to 8.3. Chives are commonly cultivated in the garden for their edible leaves which are available from late winter to the beginning of the following winter[K]. The bulbs divide rapidly and large clumps are quickly formed. There are some named varieties[5][8][10]. Chives are very tolerant of heavy harvesting, regular cutting of the leaves ensures a continuous supply of young leaves and prevents the plants flowering[16]. Plants can be moved into a frame or other protected environment in the autumn and will then produce leaves throughout the winter[16]. Do not do this every year or it weakens the plants. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[1]. A good bee plant[14]. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[4][7][20]. Helps to reduce the incidence of scab when it is grown under apple trees[9]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[9]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[12].

Associations and interactions

Malus domestica (Apple)

Allium schoenoprasum (Chive) or other members of the Allium genus are grown under apple trees it is reported to assist in the prevention of scab.

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-87857-262-7

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩

  4. Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins 1979-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  5. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2

  6. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  7. Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. 1978-00-00 ISBN 0-88266-064-0

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  9. Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-304-34324-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  10. Davies. D. Alliums. The Ornamental Onions. Batsford 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7134-7030-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  11. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩

  12. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  13. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩

  14. Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden.

    ↩

  15. Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8

    ↩

  16. Organ. J. Rare Vegetables for Garden and Table. Faber 1960-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  17. Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. 1878-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  18. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩

  19. Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219060-5

    ↩

  20. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

    ↩

  21. Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO 1984-00-00 ISBN 0112425291

    ↩

  22. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

    ↩

  23. Phillips. R. and Rix. M. Bulbs Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30253-1

    ↩

Edit this page