How to Grow Chives in Australia
A year-round herb crop for the home garden
Growing Chives at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. They are rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-3/week, perennial, comes back every year with minimal effort.
This guide covers when to plant Chives in your region, the position and soil they like, how to sow and space them, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Chives are a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland they are sown all year round. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Chives full sun (at least 6 hours a day). They do best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. They grow happily in a pot of 15cm+, which makes them a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 15 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 20 degrees.
Perennial clump. Cut back hard and it regrows fast.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
The main diseases to watch are Downy mildew and Rust. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Chives are typically ready to harvest in around 75 days (about 2 months). Fridge loosely wrapped, up to 1 week. Freeze snipped in bags.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, chives are good snipped fresh over eggs and potatoes, added to cream cheese and dips, stirred into salad dressings and garnish for soups and baked potatoes. Nutritionally: contains allicin with antimicrobial properties and good source of vitamins A and C.
Companion Planting
Chives grow well alongside Carrot and Tomato. Keep them away from Beans. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Chives Growing
Add chives to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Australia?
Chives are a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland they are sown all year round. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Chives take to grow?
Chives are generally ready to harvest in around 75 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Chives in a pot?
Yes. Chives grow well in a container of 15cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Chives need?
Give they full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Chives in the Plant Library
