I've always maintained an herb "garden" in our kitchen and have had quite a bit of success in maintaining mature plants. Recently we moved to Oregon and have had to start all over. As a new challenge, I am now trying to grow new herbs from seeds. Many of my new herbs are flourishing, but I can't seem to get a good start with my chives. So I thought I'd see what recommendations the DG gang might have for me. I know I've had some success in maintaining mature herbs and even success with some seeds, but if you could in your replies, just assume I'm an idiot, I'd appreciate it. This way I can make sure I'm not missing any basics.
Again, just looking for general suggestions, however if anyone wants more details as to what I've done and tried thus far (in my two humble attempts), and/or a description of the poor results thereof, feel free to post so on this thread. I'll get you more details.
As always, my sincere gratitude for your time, knowledge and willingness to share.
Jake
Suggestions for growing chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
I hope you're settling in & getting ready for a great summer in your new home!
My garlic chives reseed themselves quite readily, so I've never deliberately tried to start seeds from them. I would be happy to send you a little clump of them for postage if you'd like. I realize that's not quite the help you were looking for, but in case you continue having bad luck starting from seed I figured I'd offer a Plan B.
critterologist,
Thank you for the plan B. It may very well come to resorting to acquiring a "start" from somewhere. If that comes to be the case, I do already have some local sources here. But thank you for your willingness to help out with some clumps.
I don't have any advice as to starting them from seed either- I just buy mine already started and growing. Sorry.
A quick look in the Big Book of Herbs... DeBaggio says that chive seeds should be covered(plant about as deep as the diameter of the seed, so 1/8 to 1/4 inch of soil on top should be plenty) and to expect 50% germination in about 6 days at 70 degrees. You can speed germination by soaking overnight (8 hours) in warm water. You can also keep a better eye on germination by putting the seeds in moist paper towel placed inside a baggie... plant them as soon as you see a little sprout.
thank you all for your relpies. In my last two attempts, I get small starts of about an inch in heigth, but then they end up just sagging and dying off. Too much sun? Not enough sun? Too much or not enough water? Anything else?
Maybe you're having trouble with "damping off," a general term for I think either fungal or bacterial infection that can cause sudden death in seedlings. There are a couple of preventative steps you can take. Sterilize your potting mix for seed starting. I do this by moistening the mix thoroughly, then putting it in microwave... cover loosely and put on high until you see lots of steam, 12 minutes for my 6 qt. container, then cover tightly and let the steam sterilize the mix for at least 10 minutes. Watering with weak chamomile tea or water with hydrogen peroxide added (1 Tbsp of 3% per qt) can also help. Make sure your seed starting area has adequate ventillation... a fan may be helpful there.
I've also found the garlic chives to reseed much easier then the regular chives I also like the flavor better in cooking.
Kim