Chives should be ready to harvest this month — check for size and colour.
Growing Calendar
This month: May
Log to journalReady to harvest now
- •Check size and ripeness
- •Harvest regularly
- •Store or use fresh
Watch Out For
Onion thrips cause silver streaking on leaves
remove heavily affected leaves, improve airflow and try a garlic spray as a deterrent
Allow to flower sparingly
the edible purple blooms are attractive but redirect energy away from leaf production; deadhead most flowers promptly if leaves are the priority
Downy mildew in overcrowded or poorly ventilated conditions
divide clumps every 2–3 years and ensure adequate spacing to keep air circulating
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Chives in the UK
When do chives come back after winter?
Chives die back to the ground in winter and regrow reliably from the base in early spring (February–March). They are among the first fresh herbs to appear in the garden each year.
Can I cut chives right down?
Yes — cutting chives back to 5cm above the ground stimulates a fresh flush of tender young growth. Do this 2–3 times during the growing season, especially after flowering. The plant responds vigorously each time.
Are chive flowers edible?
Yes — chive flowers are fully edible and have a mild, onion flavour. They make attractive garnishes on salads and soups. They are also valuable for pollinators — leaving some to flower attracts bees.
How do I divide chives?
Divide chive clumps in spring or autumn every 2–3 years. Lift the entire clump, divide into smaller sections with your hands or a knife, and replant at 20–30cm spacing. Division reinvigorates the plant and increases your stock.
Member guides
There's more to growing Chives than this guide covers.
Seasonal reminders, deeper guides, and the small adjustments that change a harvest.