Allium schoenoprasum

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) — a hardy perennial with slender, mild-onion leaves and edible lilac flowers. Easy from seed and perfect for pots.
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Allium schoenoprasum — chives

Allium schoenoprasum, known to every cook as chives, is the smallest and most delicate member of the onion family and one of the most useful herbs you can grow. Its slender, mild-onion leaves and pretty pompom flowers make it the botanical anchor of our chives range within the culinary herb collection.

History & origin

Chives are remarkable among culinary herbs for being native across the northern hemisphere — wild across Europe, Asia and North America alike. Used since ancient times, they were valued by the Romans and later championed by herbalists and gardeners throughout medieval Europe as an easy, hardy seasoning that all but grows itself.

The botanical name tells their story: schoenoprasum comes from the Greek schoinos (rush) and prason (leek) — the “rush-like leek,” a neat description of those fine, hollow leaves.

Botanical characteristics

Chives form neat, grassy clumps 20–30 cm tall, with hollow, tubular leaves carrying a gentle onion flavour and round, lilac-pink flower heads that are both edible and loved by bees. A hardy perennial, the plant dies back in winter and returns reliably each spring, bulking up into ever-larger clumps. It sits among our perennial herbs and grows beautifully in a pot with our container-friendly herbs.

Growing Allium schoenoprasum from seed

Sow in spring in trays or directly into the soil, sprinkling seed thinly and keeping it lightly moist until the grassy seedlings appear. Chives are wonderfully low-maintenance, thriving in sun or light shade, and clumps can be lifted and divided every few years. Snip leaves regularly with scissors to keep fresh growth coming all season. Our herb growing guide and herb sowing calendar cover timing and care in full.

Ready to grow chives? Explore the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Chives · Culinary Herbs · Perennial Herbs · Container Herbs · All Herb Seeds

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What is Allium schoenoprasum?
It is the botanical name for chives, the smallest member of the onion family, grown for its mild-onion leaves and edible lilac flowers. Are chives perennial?
Yes. Chives are a hardy perennial that dies back in winter and returns each spring, forming ever-larger clumps that can be divided. Are the flowers edible?
Yes. The round, lilac-pink pompom flowers are edible and pretty in salads, and they are also a favourite with bees. How do I grow chives from seed?
Sow thinly in spring in trays or directly into the soil and keep lightly moist. Snip leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth.