How to Harvest Chives

Last Updated: February 23, 2021 References Approved

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are the sort of herbs that have endless possibilities. They can be used in salads, soups, meat dishes, in cheeses...the list is truly infinite. Growing your own chives is a great idea, but it is also important to know when and how to harvest them. Scroll down to Step 1 to being learning about harvesting chives.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:
Knowing When and What to Harvest

1
Select the right part of the plant. Look for the long, green, hollow leaves. These are round in shape. These are the parts of the plant that you want to use in your recipes.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- The chive flowers are also edible but do not have the same flavor as a chive stalk. They are best used as a garnish in a salad or soup.
2
Know when to begin harvesting chives. You can begin harvesting the chives when the leaves grow large enough to be clipped and used.^{[2]
X
Research source}
3
Have several plants growing at once. This will help when it comes to harvesting. If you only have one plant, you might over harvest it by cutting the leaves before they have had enough time to grow. If you have multiple chive plants, you can harvest the leaves of one and then wait for those leaves to grow back while you harvest the leaves from another plant.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:
Harvesting the Chives

1
Gather the leaves into a bunch. Use a pair of sharp, clean scissors to remove the leaves. Do not cut too closely to the bulb, or you will spoil the chances of the chives regrowing. You want to leave about ½ an inch of green leaves attached to the bulb, above the soil.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- If you just need a few chives, harvest from the outside of the clump. Sharp scissors work best as they will not rip the plant like dull scissors will. Leave the rest to grow.
- If you want to continue to harvest them in winter, transfer a clump of chives to a pot. Place it on a sunny windowsill. You can then have fresh chives throughout the winter.
2
Use your chives or store them. If storing, cut chives can be kept in the refrigerator inside a sealed plastic bag for up to one week. It is also possible to freeze them in ice cubes or to freeze dry them.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Before using your chives, rinse them off under cool, running water to remove any dirt or debris from the garden.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
- Another good method for preservation is to make chive vinegar.
3
Use chives in a recipe. You can use chives in a salad. They also make a great baked potato topping. The possibilities for chives are truly endless!^{[7]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

When do I harvest chives?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You can start harvesting chives around 60 days after planting them from seed. You will get 3-4 harvests the first year and more in the following years.
Question

How do I cut roots from clipped chives?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

When you harvest, cut about 1/2 inch above the ground, and leave the roots in place.
Question

Is the flower on top what I dry and plant next year?

Community Answer

Yes. The flower will dry and open to release many small seeds. Seeding is very easy, as these things germinate very quickly.
Question

When do I cut the flowers off?

Community Answer

You do not need to cut the flowers off. If you leave the flowers on the plant, you can collect the seeds or let them spread naturally.
Question

What do chives looks like when they first sprout?

Community Answer

Chives when they first sprout look very much like they do when ready to harvest: small, grass-like tubes sprouting out of the ground. While you can eat them, you will want to wait for them to grow so the plant can recover from a harvest, especially if the plant is young.
Question

Why didn't my chives flower?

Community Answer

Are they in a pot? How long have they been in that one place? They need to be dug up and the root clumps separated every couple of years.
Question

I planted chives in a window basket. How can I keep them alive through the winter so they come back next year?

AlliumOnion

Community Answer

Just treat them like you normally do, with plenty of sun and water. Chives also may like the window to be closed on cold days.