Native habitat
- Northern Europe
- NE North America
Growing conditions
- Any garden soil
- In a pot or a window box
- Needs extra water in dry conditions
- Feed soil occasionally to ensure strong, new growth
Maintenance
- Remove flower heads for year-round supply of leaves
- Perennial - grow in clumps of bulbs (like onions)
- Divide clumps & replant bulbs individually
- Keep weed free
- Give them a 'haircut' with scissors
Parts used
- Leaves
- Flower heads - can be eaten in salads or to decorate food
Properties
- Mild onion flavour
- Antiseptic
- Healthy/nourishing
Uses
- Cooking - in salads, soups, mashed with potato, cream cheese,
butter, cooked vegetables etc.
- As a potted gift
- As 'hair' when making plates of food into pictures!
History 
- Used in China nearly 5 000 years ago
- Brought to Britain by the Romans, probably for cooking - they
still grown wild along Hadrian's Wall!
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Chives in flower
Chopping chives to use with food
Chives
were brought to Britain by the Romans and still grown wild along Hadrian's Wall! |
