{"product_id":"chive","title":"Chive","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese are a versatile, perennial herb known for their mild onion flavour and delicate, grass-like green stems. In early summer, they produce clusters of vibrant purple flowers, which are also edible and add a decorative touch to dishes. These hardy alliums thrive in both garden beds and small pots, making them an excellent choice for kitchen gardens and urban spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChives are easy to grow and continuously produce fresh leaves when harvested correctly. Simply trim up to one-third of the plant at a time, leaving at least 2.5cm (1in) above soil level, and they will regrow quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere Can You Grow Chives?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChives grow well in \u003cstrong\u003eZones 3-9\u003c\/strong\u003e, preferring \u003cstrong\u003efull sun to partial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e and well-drained, fertile soil. They are ideal for garden borders, herb beds, raised beds, and containers. Once established, they are \u003cstrong\u003edrought-tolerant and low-maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to Europe, Asia, and North America, chives have been cultivated for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Historically, they were valued for their antibacterial properties and digestive benefits. Today, they remain a kitchen staple, enhancing soups, salads, eggs, and potato dishes with their mild yet flavourful bite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in autumn or early spring for an extended growing season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors in late winter or direct sow in spring after the last frost.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in spring or mulch heavily in autumn to protect roots over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Chives\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds \u003cstrong\u003e0.5cm (1\/4in) deep\u003c\/strong\u003e, spacing plants \u003cstrong\u003e15-20cm (6-8in) apart\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil \u003cstrong\u003eevenly moist\u003c\/strong\u003e during germination; once established, chives tolerate occasional dryness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Snip leaves \u003cstrong\u003eas needed\u003c\/strong\u003e, cutting no more than one-third of the plant at a time. Flowers can also be harvested for salads and garnishes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Divide clumps every few years to \u003cstrong\u003emaintain plant health and productivity\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllow to Flower and Seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let some plants \u003cstrong\u003efully mature and bloom\u003c\/strong\u003e to produce seed heads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once flower heads dry and turn brown, \u003cstrong\u003egently shake the seeds loose\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry and Clean:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spread seeds on a towel to dry completely before storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store seeds in an \u003cstrong\u003eairtight container\u003c\/strong\u003e in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for \u003cstrong\u003eup to 3 years\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52198403277097,"sku":"MF-HERBS-007","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/6225\/6681\/files\/Chives_Main.jpg?v=1764456960","url":"https:\/\/konnichiwa.ca\/products\/chive","provider":"こんにちはマート | KON NICHIWA MART","version":"1.0","type":"link"}