Very Important Plant
Grown since at least the 5th century, chives ( Allium schoenoprasum) have been a constant companion of gardeners in Europe. It also grows in North America, the only onion species to be found naturally in both continents. This diminutive bulbous perennial is a decorative ornamental and also extremely useful in the kitchen, as all parts are edible from the bulb, leaves and flowers.
Being much milder and less pungent than garlic, it lends itself to being used in salads and sauces, or chopped and sprinkled as a garnish on a wide variety of dishes. The flowers can be eaten in salads, or frozen in ice cubes for decorating summer drinks.
The flowers are decorative and typically pink, although white-flowered and pale pink-flowered forms are available.
In variety ‘Black Isle Blush’, the flowers actually change colour from mauve to blush pink. Being nectar rich, the flowers will attract all manner of pollinators, including bees. Chives will grow in any well-drained soil in sun, soon producing clumps of little onions with tubular, deep green leaves.
To make more, simply lift and divide in autumn or spring before growth starts. It’s great for growing in pots, kept in a sunny spot by the back door. It’s also useful as an edging plant.
Garlic chive ( A. tuberosum) is a different species, which has flattened, garlic-scented leaves and white flowers in late summer.