Species Wild Chives

Wild Chives

Allium schoenoprasum var. schoenoprasum

Wild Chives (Allium schoenoprasum var. schoenoprasum) is an edible, perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. A member of the onion family, it looks almost identical to the common chive, but with flatter and slightly larger leaves and a more intense flavor. The flowers grow in clusters and are a beautiful shade of lavender. The seeds last for years and are easily dispersed. The leaves are best collected in spring and make a delightful garnish for salads, sandwiches, and soups. The flavor of wild chives also makes a delicious addition to pestos and egg dishes.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Offsets

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Wild Chives should be watered once every 7-14 days, depending on environmental factors like humidity and temperature. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy. Water the plant until water runs through the drainage holes to ensure thorough hydration. Additionally, it should be misted or spritzed with water regularly to maintain adequate humidity levels.

sunlight

Wild chives are perennials that prefer full sun conditions, needing at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. They will tolerate partial shade, but will be more prolific with more sun. They should be planted in a location that receives morning or late afternoon sun, as the intense midday sun can cause them to dry out too quickly. Wild chives should be planted in spring after all danger of frost has passed.

pruning

Wild Chives should be pruned in late spring or early summer. You should remove any dead or damaged foliage and clip to remove spent flower heads. Pruning should be light, with no more than 1-third of the plant removed to maintain its shape and vigor. Prune the sturdy grass-like stalks of Wild Chives close to the ground to prevent the formation of flower stalks, which should be cut off and can be added to salads. Pruning Wild Chives will also encourage the growth of more flavorful, succulent new shoots.