Chives are among the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow at home. Not only do they add a fresh, onion-like flavor to a variety of dishes, but they also thrive in small spaces, making them ideal for urban gardeners, kitchen windowsills, and backyard herb gardens. If you’re wondering how to grow chives from cuttings, you’re in the right place. With over 10 years of hands-on gardening experience, I’ll walk you through every step of the process—plus offer related tips to ensure your chive garden flourishes.
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Why Grow Chives from Cuttings?
Growing chives from cuttings is a simple and effective method for propagating this hardy perennial herb. While many gardeners opt for seeds or transplants, using cuttings can be quicker, cost-effective, and equally successful—especially when you already have access to a mature chive plant.
Benefits of Growing Chives from Cuttings:
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Faster growth: Cuttings root quickly, often within a week or two.
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Cloning: You’ll replicate the exact characteristics of the parent plant.
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Sustainability: It reduces reliance on store-bought herbs and minimizes waste.
Materials You’ll Need
Before diving into the process of how to grow chives from cuttings, gather the following items:
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A healthy, mature chive plant (for taking cuttings)
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Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
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A glass jar or small vase
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Potting soil (preferably organic and well-draining)
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Small pots or planting containers
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Water and a spray bottle (optional)
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Grow light or a sunny windowsill
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grow Chives from Cuttings
Step 1: Select and Cut Healthy Stems
Choose green, healthy-looking chive stems that are at least 4–6 inches long. Avoid any yellowing or wilted stems, as these are less likely to root. Using clean scissors, cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just above the base.
Step 2: Prepare the Cuttings for Rooting
Remove the bottom inch of leaves from the cut stem, exposing the node (where roots will emerge). Place the cuttings in a glass of clean, room-temperature water. Ensure that only the bottom 1–2 inches are submerged to prevent rotting.
Pro Tip: Place the glass near a window with indirect sunlight. Change the water every 2–3 days to keep it fresh and oxygen-rich.
Step 3: Wait for Root Development
In 5–10 days, you’ll begin to see tiny white roots sprouting from the base. Let the roots grow to about an inch long before transferring the cuttings to soil.
Step 4: Transplant the Rooted Cuttings
Fill a small pot with moist, well-draining soil. Create a hole in the center and gently place the cutting in, covering the roots completely. Lightly pat the soil around the base and water thoroughly.
Step 5: Provide Proper Growing Conditions
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Sunlight: Chives thrive in full sun (6–8 hours a day), but they can also tolerate partial shade.
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Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry.
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Fertilizing: Use a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer once every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
Read More How to Grow Asparagus at Home: A Complete Guide from a Gardening Expert
Tips for Long-Term Chive Care
Once you’ve mastered how to grow chives from cuttings, focus on maintaining your plant’s health and productivity.
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Regular Harvesting: Snip chives regularly to encourage new growth. Always cut from the base, leaving at least 2 inches of stem.
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Divide Every Few Years: Chives can become crowded. Divide the clumps every 2–3 years to rejuvenate the plant.
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Winter Care: Chives are hardy and can survive mild frost. In colder regions, consider moving potted chives indoors or applying mulch outdoors.
Common Problems & Solutions
Even when you know how to grow chives from cuttings, occasional issues may arise:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Use well-draining soil and water only when necessary |
| Thin or spindly growth | Insufficient light | Move to a sunnier location or use a grow light |
| Pests (aphids, thrips) | Outdoor exposure | Spray with neem oil or a mild soapy water solution |
Can You Grow Chives Indoors?
Absolutely! Chives adapt well to indoor environments. Place them on a sunny kitchen windowsill, rotate the pot every few days for even growth, and ensure good air circulation. Growing chives indoors is perfect for year-round harvesting and adds a fresh touch of green to your home.
Companion Planting with Chives
Chives not only enhance your meals but also your garden. They’re natural pest repellents and work wonderfully when planted near:
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Tomatoes: Help deter aphids and improve flavor
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Carrots: Repel carrot rust flies
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Roses: Reduce the likelihood of black spot and other fungal diseases
Final Thoughts
Learning how to grow chives from cuttings is a valuable skill for any gardener—from beginner to advanced. It’s a sustainable, efficient, and satisfying way to expand your herb garden, save money, and ensure you always have a fresh supply of flavorful greens.
Whether you’re growing them indoors or in an outdoor bed, chives are incredibly forgiving and rewarding. With the right care, a single cutting can yield years of delicious harvests.
Looking for more herb-growing tips? Check out our other guides on propagating basil, mint, and rosemary—or learn how to create a thriving indoor herb garden that keeps your kitchen stocked all year long.