Description: Growing Chinese Chives, also known as Garlic Chives, from seeds can be a rewarding gardening project. Here's how to successfully germinate and grow them: 1. Seed Starting IndoorsTiming: Start your seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Setup:- Soil: Use a well-draining seed starting mix. Chinese chives prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil with good fertility.- Planting: Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the soil. Lightly cover with soil or simply press them into the moistened mix, as Chinese chive seeds require some light to germinate.- Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Using a spray bottle to mist the soil can prevent overwatering.- Temperature: Maintain a soil temperature of around 60-70°F (15-21°C). A heat mat can help maintain this temperature range.- Light: Place the seed trays in a location with good light or under grow lights. Ensure they get about 12-16 hours of light per day to support strong growth. 2. Germination- Time: Chinese chive seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Keep the environment stable to ensure the best germination rates. 3. Care for Seedlings- Thinning: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them out to prevent overcrowding, allowing about 2-3 inches between plants.- Watering: Water the seedlings gently to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.- Fertilizing: When seedlings are a few inches tall, start using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks. 4. Transplanting OutdoorsTiming: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and they are strong enough. Planting Site:- Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Partial shade can also be tolerated.- Soil Preparation: Enrich the garden soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting. Ensure the soil is well-draining.- Spacing: Plant the seedlings about 8-12 inches apart to allow ample room for growth. 5. Growing and Maintenance- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods.- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.- Harvesting: You can start harvesting leaves once the plants are established and about 6 inches tall. Cut leaves from the outside, allowing younger inner leaves to continue growing.- Flowering: If you prefer milder tasting leaves, remove flower stalks as they appear. Flowering can cause the leaves to become tougher and more bitter. 6. Ongoing Care- Dividing: Chinese chives can be divided every 3-4 years to rejuvenate and spread the plant. Spring or early fall is the best time for division.- Pest and Disease Management: Generally, Chinese chives are quite robust but watch for common pests like slugs and practice good garden hygiene to avoid diseases. By following these steps, you can enjoy a steady supply chives from your garden, perfect for culinary uses due to their mild garlic flavor.
Price: 3.79 USD
Location: Temple City, California
End Time: 2024-09-29T10:32:35.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.5 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Climate: Humid Continental, Humid Subtropical, Marine West Coast, Mediterranean
Common Name: Garlic Chives
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor & Outdoor
Color: Green
Growth Habit: Clumping
Soil Type: Loam, Silt
Brand: Pemdas Garden
Season of Interest: Fall, Spring, Summer
Soil pH: Neutral
Type: Vegetable Seeds
Life Cycle: Perennial
Watering: Medium
Genus: Allium
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Features: Edible, Fast Growing, Flowering, Open-Pollinating, Potted
Cultivating Difficulty: Easy