How to grow chives in a raised bed

Chives are the neatest, most obliging member of the onion family — a clump of fine, mild, oniony leaves you snip endlessly, topped with edible purple pompom flowers. Perfect for a raised-bed edge.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 15–20 cm clumps
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks, then for years

When should I plant chives?

Chives are a hardy perennial — plant in spring or autumn and the clump returns year after year, dying back a little in deep cold. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): February to October
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): August to April
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): September to March
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to August
• Arid inland: March to September

How do I grow chives in a raised bed?

Plant into moist, rich mix. Snip the whole clump back now and then to keep fresh new growth coming, and divide congested clumps every few years.

How often should I water and feed chives?

Keep the mix evenly moist for tender leaves; a light feed keeps them lush.

What pests attack chives?

Keep an eye out for aphids and thrips — though most herbs are pleasingly pest-resistant. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with chives?

The main one to watch is rust and downy mildew, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

What grows well with chives?

Chives are a great all-round companion, said to deter aphids and pests from carrots and roses; the flowers feed bees. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest chives?

Snip leaves from the outside of the clump as needed; the flowers are edible too. Best used fresh.

More growing guides: garlic chives, spring onions and parsley.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Kolforn (Kolforn), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.