Successfully Propagating 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 encourage successful regrowth. As well as revitalising the plant, division also allows you to multiply your chive plants to grow elsewhere in the garden or share them with friends!

How to divide chives?

1. Take a spade and carefully outline the root ball by pushing the tool all around the clump.
2. Then lift the clump carefully to remove it in one piece.
3. Gently shake to remove excess soil from the roots.
4. By hand or with a sharp knife, divide the clump into several sections, each containing 5 to 10 shoots and a good root system. Be careful not to damage the fine roots to ensure optimal recovery.
5. Replant immediately the sections in well-loosened soil, free from stones, roots, and weeds. Your chives will recover better if your soil is rich (add compost or well-rotted manure), but well-drained (add gravel and sand if the soil is heavy). Don’t hesitate to add a handful of compost when planting.
6. Space the sections about 30 cm apart and plant without burying the crown, in a sunny spot or in a planter.
7. Firm the soil and water generously to ensure recovery.

How to care for chives after dividing them?

Maintaining chives is quite simple and requires little effort. Remember to water regularly, especially during hot weather, to keep the soil cool without making it waterlogged. A light mulch can help retain moisture and reduce the need for watering.

To encourage good regrowth, it’s best to cut the leaves as needed. While the flowers are pretty and attract pollinators, they can slow down the production of new shoots. If you prefer to focus on leaf growth, remove the flowers as soon as they appear.

Adding compost or organic fertiliser once or twice a year helps revitalise the plant and ensures healthy growth. It’s also important to weed regularly around the base to prevent competition from unwanted plants.

In winter, chives go dormant and temporarily disappear. In colder regions, mulching can protect the roots from frost and promote strong regrowth in spring. If grown in pots, you can bring them indoors to extend the harvest. Finally, to prevent the plant from becoming exhausted, divide the clump every three to four years to rejuvenate it and multiply your plants.