Chives are a versatile herb cherished for their mild onion flavor and ability to elevate any dish, and learning how to grow chives from grocery store bunches can be a surprisingly simple and rewarding experience. Whether you’re working with limited garden space or just want a sustainable way to get more value from your store-bought herbs, you can cultivate a thriving chive plant using nothing more than what you pick up on your next supermarket trip.
This article explores everything you need to know about growing chives from the grocery store—choosing the right bunch, preparing them for planting, nurturing them into healthy plants, and harvesting them for continuous use. Growing your own chives not only saves money but also adds a touch of freshness to your kitchen year-round.
Why Grow Chives from the Grocery Store?
The bunches of chives sold in grocery stores are often fresher and more viable than many people realize. While some herbs are trimmed or too far gone to replant, chives usually retain their roots or enough stem integrity to regenerate if given the right conditions. Starting from a grocery store bunch is economical, reduces waste, and ensures you have a ready supply of this flavorful herb without needing to buy seeds or established nursery plants.
Additionally, chives grow well indoors and outdoors, making them perfect for container gardening, windowsill pots, or herb beds. With minimal input, you can enjoy a lush patch of green that regrows after every harvest.
Selecting the Right Chives at the Store
When figuring out how to grow chives from grocery store bunches, the process begins with picking the healthiest bunch available. Look for these characteristics:
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Fresh green leaves: Avoid yellowing or overly wilted chives.
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Firm stems: The chive stems should be straight and not mushy.
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Presence of roots (optional but ideal): Some grocery stores sell chives with the roots intact, often in plastic sleeves or containers with a bit of soil or moisture at the base.
Even if the chives don’t have roots, you can still propagate them successfully using stem regrowth techniques or water propagation.
Preparing Chives for Planting
After bringing your chives home, preparation is key to ensure successful growth.
1. Hydration
Before planting, refresh the chives. Place them in a glass of water, ensuring the bottom of the stems is submerged. If roots are already present, this helps stimulate growth. If not, water encourages root development over a few days.
2. Trimming
Trim about 1 inch off the top of the chives to reduce water loss while they re-establish. Remove any slimy, discolored, or damaged stems.
3. Optional Root Stimulation
If your bunch lacks roots, allow the base of the stems to sit in clean water for 3–5 days near a sunny window. You’ll often see tiny roots begin to form at the cut ends, especially if the room is warm and bright.
Choosing the Right Growing Medium
Chives are hardy and adapt to various soils, but for optimal regrowth, choose a light, well-draining potting mix. Avoid heavy clay soils or potting soil that stays too wet. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and compost works well.
You can also grow chives hydroponically using water and a hydroponic system, but soil-based growth is simpler for most beginners.
How to Plant Chives from Grocery Store Bunches
Once the chives are hydrated and roots (or basal ends) are ready, it’s time to plant.
Materials:
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A 6-8 inch deep container with drainage holes
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Quality potting mix
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The prepared chive bunch
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Watering can or spray bottle
Steps:
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Fill the pot with potting mix, leaving an inch of space from the top.
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Make a small hole in the center about 1.5–2 inches deep.
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Place the chives into the hole, root side down. If they have no roots, ensure the bottom stem sits firmly in the soil for stability.
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Cover and firm the soil gently around the base.
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Water lightly to moisten the soil without creating puddles.
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Place the pot in a sunny location, such as a south-facing window or balcony.
Growing Conditions for Healthy Chives
Understanding how to grow chives from grocery store stems also involves creating the right environment.
Light:
Chives require at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you lack bright natural light, supplement with a grow light, especially in winter.
Temperature:
Chives grow best between 60–75°F (15–24°C). They can tolerate cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost if growing outdoors.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal issues.
Fertilizer:
Use a diluted all-purpose liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leaf growth with less flavor.
Encouraging Regrowth and Propagation
One of the joys of knowing how to grow chives from grocery store cuttings is that they regenerate quickly when properly maintained.
Regular Harvesting:
Once the chives reach about 6 inches tall, you can begin harvesting. Use scissors to snip off the top two-thirds of the leaves, leaving at least 2 inches from the base. This ensures continuous growth.
Dividing:
After several months, a well-established chive plant becomes dense. You can divide it by gently removing the plant from its container, separating the clumps at the roots, and replanting them in separate pots. This is a great way to expand your supply.
Common Problems and Solutions
Chives are relatively low-maintenance, but here are a few potential issues:
Yellowing Leaves:
Often due to overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure your pot drains well and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Weak Growth:
Can result from insufficient light. Move your plant to a sunnier spot or use a grow light.
Pests:
Chives may attract aphids or spider mites. Combat them by rinsing the leaves with a mild soap solution or neem oil spray.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing
Whether indoors or outdoors, chives adapt well. However, there are some differences in care:
Indoor Growing:
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Easier to control temperature and pests.
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Needs sufficient light (natural or artificial).
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Ideal for year-round harvesting.
Outdoor Growing:
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Chives are perennial in USDA zones 3–10.
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Benefit from rainwater and full sun.
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Can be left to overwinter and return in spring.
Harvesting and Using Chives
After all your efforts in learning how to grow chives from grocery store bunches, the best part is using them.
Chives can be harvested every few weeks once they are established. Always cut them with clean scissors to avoid damaging the plant. You can use chives fresh in dishes like soups, scrambled eggs, baked potatoes, salads, and sauces. They can also be frozen or dried for long-term storage.
Seasonal Care and Maintenance
If you’re growing chives outdoors, prepare them for seasonal changes:
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Spring: Divide and replant if needed. Feed with compost.
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Summer: Water regularly. Harvest often to prevent flowering.
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Fall: Cut back the leaves to 1–2 inches before frost arrives.
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Winter: Mulch over outdoor plants or bring pots inside if necessary.
Indoors, maintain your chives with consistent lighting and temperature. Reduce watering slightly during the low-light winter months.
Benefits of Growing Chives at Home
Beyond their culinary uses, chives offer several advantages:
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Pest-repelling qualities: Their scent can deter pests like aphids when grown near other plants.
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Attractive blooms: Chives produce purple flowers in late spring, which are edible and attract pollinators.
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Health benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, chives also contain antioxidants and have mild antibacterial properties.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to grow chives from grocery store bundles opens up a practical and sustainable way to enhance your cooking and gardening experience. With minimal space and effort, you can create a continuous, homegrown supply of one of the most popular culinary herbs.
By choosing the right bunch, following simple propagation steps, and offering the right care, your store-bought chives can thrive in a pot or garden bed for years to come. Whether you're new to gardening or looking to expand your indoor herb garden, growing chives from grocery store bunches is a great project with delicious rewards.