Chive - Allium schoenoprasum
200 Seeds
Sow March - June.
Hardy perennial.
Height and spread 30cm (12in).
Prefers a fairly rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position with partial shade.
Sow seeds 0.5cm (¼") deep, in small pots of compost , lightly covering the seed with a sprinkling of compost. Water well and place at a temperature of 15-20°C. Alternatively sow outdoors March-May where they are to crop, 0.5cm (¼") deep, directly into finely-prepared soil.
This bulb plant has hollow, dark green leaves, which are cylindrical and very slender, tapering to a point at the top. They are 6-10" long with a surrounding stem at the base. Flowering stems shoot up from the bulb. The small, pale purple flower forms a dense, globular umbel at the top of the stem, which appear in summer. The petals have bluish purple anthers. Grow near the roots of apple trees to help prevent apple scab. It also helps prevent black spot in roses. Carrots grow larger than normal when planted with chives.
Chive
From the family Alliaceae.
Like garlic and leeks, chive belong to the onion family, growing wild in Northern Europe, Greece and Italy. Ancient civilizations are thought to have been familiar with it, but rumours claiming that chives 'send up hurtful vapours to the brain' fortunately were unfounded. Chives were a favourite in China as long ago as 3,000 bc. Alliums have marvellous health-giving properties. The stronger they smell the more effective their healing powers and historially it was used as an antidote to poison and to stauch the flow of blood.