If you want fresh herbs all year round, learning how to grow chives indoors is a perfect place to start. This simple indoor gardening guide will show you just how easy it is to have a constant supply of this mild, onion-flavored herb right on your windowsill.
Chives are one of the most forgiving plants for beginners. They don’t demand much space or light, and they grow quickly from either seeds or divisions. With just a few basic supplies and a little routine, you’ll be snipping your own homegrown chives for potatoes, salads, and soups in no time.
How To Grow Chives Indoors – Simple Indoor Gardening Guide
This guide covers everything from choosing your start method to harvesting. Let’s get your indoor chive garden started.
Why Chives Are Perfect for Indoor Gardening
Chives are a top-tier herb for indoor cultivation. Their compact growth habit means they thrive in containers. They are also perennial, so with proper care, a single planting can provide for years.
You’ll enjoy their pretty green foliage and even edible purple flowers. They are a practical and attractive addition to any kitchen.
- Low Light Tolerance: They manage well with the indirect light of a bright window.
- Fast Growth: You can begin harvesting in just a few weeks.
- Minimal Space: A small pot is all you really need.
- Pest Resistant: Indoor chives rarely have bug problems.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your supplies first makes the process smooth. You likely have many of these items already.
- Container: A pot at least 6-8 inches wide with drainage holes. Ceramic or plastic both work fine.
- Potting Mix: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting soil. Avoid heavy garden soil.
- Chive Starts: Seeds, a nursery plant, or a division from a friend’s garden.
- Light Source: A south or east-facing window is ideal. A grow light is a great backup.
- Basic Tools: A small trowel, watering can, and sharp scissors for harvesting.
Choosing Between Seeds, Transplants, or Divisions
You have three main options for starting your indoor chives. Each has it’s own pros and cons.
Seeds are inexpensive and offer the satisfaction of growing from scratch. However, they are slowest, taking several weeks to become established.
Nursery Transplants give you a head start. You can find small pots of chives at most garden centers. This is the easiest method for most people.
Divisions are free if you know a gardener with an outdoor clump. In spring or fall, they can dig up a small section with roots for you to pot immediately.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Follow these simple steps for planting success. It only takes a few minutes to get everything set up.
1. Preparing Your Container
Always start with a clean pot. If reusing a container, wash it with soapy water to remove any old debris or salts. Place a small piece of paper towel or a pot shard over the drainage hole to prevent soil washout.
2. Filling with Potting Mix
Fill your pot with moistened potting mix, leaving about an inch of space from the rim. Do not pack the soil down tightly; you want it loose for root growth.
3. Planting Your Chives
For seeds: Sprinkle them lightly on the soil surface and cover with a mere dusting of soil. Gently water.
For transplants/divisions: Make a hole in the center big enough for the rootball. Place the plant in, ensuring the base is level with the soil surface. Fill in around it and pat gently.
4. The Initial Watering
Water thoroughly after planting until water runs out the bottom. This settles the soil around the roots. Let the pot drain completely before placing it on its saucer.
Optimal Care for Lush, Healthy Chives
Consistent care is simple but key. Your chives will tell you what they need if you pay a little attention.
Light Requirements
Chives need about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A bright south-facing window is best. If your light is low, the plants will become leggy and weak.
Rotate the pot a quarter turn each week so all sides get light. If natural light is insufficient, a simple LED grow light placed a few inches above the plants for 12-14 hours a day works wonders.
Watering Correctly
This is where most indoor gardeners stumble. Chives prefer soil that is consistently moist but never soggy. Overwatering leads to root rot.
Check the soil by sticking your finger an inch down. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water slowly at the base until it drains freely, then empty the saucer underneath. They might need water every 3-5 days, but always check first.
Temperature and Humidity
Chives enjoy the same comfortable temperatures you do, between 60-75°F. Avoid placing them near cold drafts, hot radiators, or air conditioning vents.
Average indoor humidity is usually sufficient. If your home is very dry in winter, a pebble tray with water beneath the pot can add a bit of moisture to the air around the plant.
Feeding for Growth
Because potting mix nutrients deplete, you should feed your chives occasionally. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Apply it about once a month during the active growing seasons of spring and summer. There’s no need to fertilize in the dormant winter months.
Harvesting Your Indoor Chives
Harvesting is the best part! Proper technique ensures your plant keeps producing.
Begin harvesting when the leaves are at least 6 inches tall. Never cut all the way down to the soil. Instead, use clean scissors to snip leaves from the outer portion of the clump, leaving about 2 inches of growth above the soil.
This allows the center of the plant to continue growing. Regular harvesting actually encourages bushier, fuller growth. You can harvest as often as you need, just always leave some green behind.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even easy plants can have occasional issues. Here’s how to fix common problems.
Yellowing or Browning Leaves
Yellow leaves often signal overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings. Brown, crispy tips usually mean the plant is under-watered or getting too much direct, hot sun.
Adjust your routine and trim off the damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.
Leggy, Thin Growth
This is almost always a sign of insufficient light. The plant is stretching to find a brighter spot. Move it to a sunnier location or introduce a grow light to provide more intense illumination.
Lack of Growth or Pale Color
If your chive plant seems stunted or pale, it might be hungry. Try applying a half-strength fertilizer. Also, ensure the pot isn’t root-bound; if roots are circling tightly, it’s time to repot into a slightly larger container.
FAQ: Your Chive Questions Answered
Can I grow chives indoors all year?
Absolutely. Chives can grow indoors year-round. They may slow down in winter with lower light levels, but they won’t completely die back like outdoor plants do.
How often should I water indoor chives?
There’s no set schedule. Always check the soil moisture first. It’s better to underwater slightly than to overwater, which is a more common mistake.
Do indoor chives need fertilizer?
Yes, but not heavily. A monthly, diluted feeding during spring and summer is plenty. This replaces nutrients that get washed out of the pot over time.
Why are my chive tips turning brown?
Brown tips are typically caused by dry soil, low humidity, or a buildup of salts from fertilizer. Flush the soil with plain water every few months and maintain consistent moisture.
Can I grow chives in water only?
You can root a division in water, but for long-term growth, they need soil. Grown solely in water, the plants will eventually become weak and lack nutrients.
How do I get my chives to grow thicker?
Regular harvesting is the secret. Snip outer leaves often to stimulate new growth from the center. Also, ensure they have enough light and occasional fertilizer.
Enjoying Your Homegrown Harvest
Fresh chives are a wonderful addition to countless dishes. Their flavor is best when used fresh, as drying diminishes their delicate taste.
Snip them just before you need them. Chop and sprinkle over scrambled eggs, baked potatoes, soups, salads, or dips. You can even snip the edible purple flowers for a colorful garnish.
If you have a surplus, you can chop them and freeze them in an ice cube tray with a little water. This preserves their flavor much better than drying. Growing chives indoors is a simple, rewarding project that brings a bit of the garden into your home every day.