How to Grow Chives Indoors (Year-Round Guide for Beginners)

How to Grow Chives Indoors (Year-Round Guide for Beginners)

Chives are one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow indoors. With their mild onion flavor, vibrant green stalks, and pretty purple flowers, chives are a must-have in any kitchen herb garden. Whether you live in a flat with no outdoor space or want a fresh supply of herbs through winter, growing chives indoors is a beginner-friendly gardening project.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to grow chives indoors from seed or store-bought plants, how to care for them, and how to keep them healthy all year round.

Why Grow Chives Indoors?

Growing chives indoors offers several benefits:

• Fresh flavor all year: Always have a pinch of fresh chives ready for your eggs, soups, or salads.

• Space-saving: Perfect for windowsills, countertops, or small kitchen shelves.

• Easy to maintain: Chives are low-maintenance and forgiving.

• Great for beginners: They don’t require much fuss and recover quickly from mistakes.

Choosing the Right Chive Variety

There are two main types of chives:

• Common Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Thin, hollow stems with a mild onion flavor.

• Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum): Flatter, wider leaves with a garlicky taste.

Both grow well indoors, so pick the one that suits your taste.

How to Start Chives Indoors

1. Growing Chives from Seeds

• Use a seed-starting mix for best results.

• Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a small pot or seed tray.

• Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

• Germination takes 10–14 days.

2. Transplanting Store-Bought Plants

• Choose healthy, green plants with no signs of rot.

• Gently separate the clumps and replant them in your own container.

• Water thoroughly and place in a bright spot.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light

• Chives need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

• Place on a sunny windowsill or use grow lights during darker months.

 Try this adjustable indoor grow light on Amazon.

Temperature

• Thrive in temperatures between 15°C to 21°C (60°F to 70°F).

• Avoid placing near cold drafts or hot radiators.

Soil

• Use well-draining, fertile potting mix.

• A container with drainage holes is essential to prevent root rot.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

• Let the top inch dry slightly before watering again.

Pruning and Harvesting

• Begin harvesting once plants are at least 6 inches tall.

• Use sharp scissors to cut leaves 1 inch above the soil.

• Regular trimming encourages bushier growth.

• Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Common Problems with Indoor Chives

Yellowing Leaves

• Cause: Overwatering or lack of sunlight.

• Fix: Check drainage and light levels.

Pests

• Watch for aphids or spider mites.

• Treat with neem oil spray or wipe leaves with soapy water.

 Check out this natural neem oil pesticide on Amazon 

Slow Growth

• Cause: Nutrient deficiency or overcrowding.

• Fix: Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.

Tips for Thriving Chives Indoors

• Rotate the pot weekly so all sides receive light evenly.

• Fertilize sparingly to avoid overfeeding.

• Repot every 12–18 months to refresh the soil.

• You can divide mature clumps to create new pots of chives.

How to Use Fresh Chives in the Kitchen

Chives are incredibly versatile:

• Sprinkle over scrambled eggs or omelettes

• Add to cream cheese or dips

• Stir into mashed potatoes or soups

• Use in herb butter

Freshly cut chives are best used raw or added at the end of cooking for maximum flavor.

FAQs About Growing Chives Indoors

Q: Do chives regrow after cutting? Yes, chives are perennial and regrow quickly after each harvest.

Q: Can I grow chives indoors all year round? Absolutely. With enough light and proper care, they’ll thrive even in winter.

Q: How long do indoor chive plants last? Chive plants can live for several years with good care and regular dividing.

Q: Can I grow chives in water? They grow best in soil but can root in water for short periods.

Q: Should I let chives flower indoors? You can, but regular cutting of flower stalks promotes leaf production.

Final Thoughts on Growing Chives Indoors

Growing chives indoors is one of the easiest ways to ensure you always have a fresh herb on hand. With just a bit of sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent watering, your chive plants will thrive in a kitchen window or small shelf. Their mild flavor and quick growth make them ideal for beginner gardeners.

Even if you have limited space, a pot of chives adds flavor and greenery to your home. Regular harvesting and basic care will keep them lush and healthy all year round.

For more information on growing herbs indoors, visit the RHS herb gardening guide for additional insights.