Succeed in multiplying your chives

When to divide chives?

Divide your chives in spring, ideally between March and May, or in autumn, from September to October. This operation is recommended every three to four years, when the clumps become too dense or less vigorous. Choose a mild, frost-free day to facilitate recovery. In addition to revitalising the plant, division also allows you to multiply your chive plants to use elsewhere in the garden or share with friends!

How to divide chives?

1. Equip yourself with a spade and gently circle the clump by driving the tool all around the tuft.
2. Then carefully lift the stump to remove it in one piece.
3. Gently shake to free the roots from excess soil.
4. By hand or with a sharp knife, divide the stump into several pieces, each containing 5 to 10 shoots and a good root network. Be careful not to damage the fine roots to ensure optimal recovery.
5. Replant immediately the pieces in well-loosened soil free of stones, roots, and weeds. The recovery of your chives will be better if your soil is rich (add well-matured potting soil or compost), but well-drained (add gravel and sand if the soil is heavy). Don’t hesitate to add a handful of compost at planting.
6. Space the pieces about 30 cm apart and plant without burying the collar, in a sunny spot, or in a container.
7. Firm the soil and water generously to ensure recovery.

How to care for chives after dividing them?

Caring for chives is quite simple and requires little effort. Remember to water regularly, especially during hot periods, to keep the soil cool without over-saturating it. A light mulch can be helpful to retain moisture and reduce the need for watering.

To encourage good regrowth, it is advisable to cut the leaves as needed. Flowering, although beautiful and appreciated by pollinators, can slow down the production of new shoots. If you prefer the leaves, be sure to remove the flowers as soon as they appear.

Adding compost or organic fertiliser once or twice a year helps to revitalise the plant and ensure good growth. It is also important to weed regularly around the plants to prevent chives from suffering from competition with weeds.

In winter, chives enter dormancy and temporarily disappear. In cold regions, mulching can protect the stump from frost and promote a good restart in spring. In pots, it is possible to bring them indoors to extend the harvest. Finally, to prevent the plant from becoming exhausted, remember to divide the clump every three to four years to regenerate it and multiply your young plants.