Chives: The Low-Maintenance Herb Every New Yorker Needs

Bundle of freshly harvested chives held in hand in a New York City garden

Where it Fits in NYC

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Why I Grow It

I grow chives because they thrive in compact pots with very little effort on my part. They are incredible companion plants in the garden. I grow them next to my tomatoes, carrots, and lettuces to help repel pests and boost the overall health of my star crops. By growing them at home, I live more sustainably by skipping those overpriced, plastic-clamshell herbs at the grocery store.

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Growth Essentials

Light

Chives need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade tolerated. Indoors: Ideal for pots; provide bright, indirect light or use grow lights for 10-12 hours daily.

Water

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Chives prefer consistent moisture. Indoors, monitor frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially in full sun conditions.

Temperature

Chives are perennial and flourish in 40-85°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in April-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, ensure 60-70°F year-round.

Containers

Indoors: 6-8" wide, 6" deep, 1 gallon.

Outdoors: 8" wide, 6-8" deep, 1-2 gallons

Soil

Chives prefer a loamy potting mix with compost from vegetable peelings or coffee grounds. Make sure your pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Fertilizer

Use 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Organic options: worm castings, compost. Chives benefit from occasional nutrient boosts to support rapid growth.

Harvesting Tips

Cut chives back to about 1 inch above soil to encourage new growth. Regular trimming keeps the plant healthy and productive, ensuring a steady supply.

Harvest Time

Perennial: 10-12 Weeks

Freshly harvested chives held in hands from a New York City urban garden
Bundle of freshly harvested chives held in hand in a New York City garden

Common Growing Issues

Why are the tips of my chives turning yellow?

Why It's Happening:

Chives need the soil to dry out between waterings. In NYC, humid air or pots without enough holes can keep the soil too wet.

How to Fix It:

Make sure your pot has holes in the bottom for water to escape. Let the top of the soil feel dry before you water it again.

Why are my chives growing so slowly?

Why It's Happening:

The NYC heat island effect keeps the city hot even at night. This can stress the plant. Also, chives in pots eventually run out of nutrients.

How to Fix It:

Give your chives a 5-10-5 plant food once a month. You can also mix in some compost to give the roots a boost of energy.

Why are my chives drooping or wilting?

Why It's Happening:

On a hot balcony or rooftop, the sun can heat up the building and the air. This makes the plant lose water very fast.

How to Fix It:

Water your chives regularly so the soil stays a little damp. Do not let the pot sit in a puddle of water for a long time.

What are these tiny bugs on the stems?

Why It's Happening:

Small bugs like aphids love the warm city weather. They stick to the stems and drink the juice from the plant.

How to Fix It:

Buy some ladybugs to eat the aphids for you! You can also spray the bugs off with water and then use a mix of water and mild soap.

Why do my chives have orange or brown spots?

Why It's Happening:

This is a fungus called rust. It happens in NYC because the air is sticky and does not move well between buildings.

How to Fix It:

Cut off the spotted leaves and throw them away. Move your pot to a spot with more breeze and do not get the leaves wet.

Grows Together With (Companion Planting)

Health & Nutrition Spotlight

Chives are rich in allicin, which may help lower blood pressure, and provides Vitamin K to support bone density.

Curated Gear For Growing

Still have questions?

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