The Best Possible Way to Harvest Chives
To correctly harvest chives, use sharp scissors to cut the stalks about 2-5 cm (1-2 inches) above the soil, select healthy stems, and leave at least two-thirds of the plant there if you want it to regrow.
We harvested chives multiple times and know how to do it correctly like experts. In this article, we will show you exactly how you can harvest your own chive herbs with the right technique.
How to Harvest Chives: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the simple steps broken down for you that our experts follow to harvest their chives the right way:
Select Healthy Stalks or Stems: Look for firm, bright green stems. Avoid any that are yellowing or wilted.
Cut with Sharp Scissors: Use clean, sharp scissors or kitchen shears to make a precise cut. This helps prevent damage to the remaining plant.
Cut Above the Base: Snip the stalks and stems about 2-5 cm (1-2 inches) above the soil level. Cutting too close to the ground can harm the plant's base. We do this because it leaves a bit of length and this encourages new growth
Harvest in Clumps: For a harvest without harming the plant, cut one-third of the clump at a time. This method ensures that the plant remains healthy and continues to produce more leaves.
When to Harvest Chives
We tried and tested this multiple times and concluded that chives are ready to be harvested once they reach about 15 cm (6 inches) in height usually a few weeks after the plant emerges.
Expert Tip: We also experienced that the best time of day for herb harvesting is in the morning for the most flavor when storing Chive herbs later on.
How to Harvest Chives Without Killing the Plant
By leaving at least two-thirds of the plant untouched, you allow it to regrow for future harvests. If you do it correctly, regular harvesting can also promote growth, this is one of the techniques when growing herbs from seeds.
How to Harvest Garlic Chives
Garlic chives can be harvested in the same way as regular chives. Cut the flower stalks off at the base as they emerge if you prefer to keep the plant's energy focused on leaf production. If you're harvesting the flowers as herbs for cooking, do so just before they bloom for the best flavor.
Post-Harvest Care
After harvesting, chives are on the list of herbs that can be utilized fresh stored or dried for later use. To store chives, wash them thoroughly and pat them dry. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, chives can be frozen or dried, which preserves their flavor well.
Sources
Nature and Sustainability uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies to support the facts we describe in our articles. Please read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Growing and harvesting chives general information: https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/chives-in-the-garden, Growing chives in home gardens | UMN Extension
Chives facts and plant information: Chives | Illinois Extension | UIUC, Chives, Allium schoenoprasum – Wisconsin Horticulture
Information and facts on harvesting chives: How to Harvest Chives: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Life
Caring for chives (after harvest): How to Grow and Care for Chives (thespruce.com)
Ideal time for harvest: extension.unl.edu/statewide/saline/Harvesting & Drying Herbs.pdf
Share this article:
Article By:
Calin is in the garden industry for 5 years now and knows a lot about gardening and plants. He owns this website and is responsible for most of the content.
Reviewed By:
Florin is responsible for reviewing most of the articles, some of the web design and occasionally making improvements so that everyhing we publish looks deam good.