Chives are a dependable perennial herb with slender onion-flavored leaves and cheerful purple pom-pom blooms. They are easy to grow, useful in the kitchen, attractive to pollinators, and well suited for Iowa herb gardens, raised beds, borders, and containers.

At Holub Greenhouses in Ames, Iowa, gardeners can find chive plants and local advice for growing herbs in central Iowa.

Why do Iowa gardeners grow chives?

Chive herb starts available in the heb and vegetable section of Holub Greenhouses in Ames, Iowa. Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow and return year after year in many Iowa gardens. Their mild onion flavor works well in baked potatoes, eggs, dips, soups, salads, and fresh herb butters.

Gardeners choose chives because they are:

  • A hardy perennial herb
  • Great for containers and garden beds
  • Useful fresh throughout the season
  • Attractive to bees and pollinators when blooming
  • Easy for beginner gardeners

When should you plant chives in Iowa?

Chives are best planted in spring, though container-grown plants can often be planted through much of the growing season with proper care. They grow through spring, summer, and fall, and established plants often return the next year.

Chives can also be grown in containers near a patio or kitchen door for easy snipping.

How do you grow chives successfully?

Plant chives in full sun to part sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly while plants establish. Harvest by snipping leaves near the base, leaving enough growth for the plant to continue producing.

Chive care basics:

  • Sun: Full sun to part sun
  • Soil: Well-drained soil
  • Water: Moderate, consistent moisture
  • Growth habit: Clumping perennial herb
  • Harvest: Snip leaves as needed
  • Bonus: Purple blooms support pollinators

What plants pair well with chives?

Chives fit easily into herb gardens, vegetable beds, and pollinator-friendly borders.

Good planting partners include:

  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Tomatoes
  • Carrots
  • Lettuce
  • Cabbage
  • Kale

Where can you buy chive plants in Ames, Iowa?

Come to Holub Greenhouses in Ames for chive plants, herb starts, vegetable starts, containers, and expert advice for building a productive Iowa herb garden.

Visit Us at Holub Greenhouses in ames

Visit Holub Greenhouses in Ames for quality chive plants, herb starts, vegetable starts, annual and perennial flowers, indoor plants, and garden supplies.

For decades, Holub Greenhouses has helped Ames and central Iowa gardeners grow beautiful gardens, useful herb beds, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Whether you are planting chives in a container, border, or kitchen herb garden, our team is always here with helpful planting and care advice.

Stop by Holub Greenhouses to get great plants and friendly local guidance.