How do chives multiply?
Chives are a perennial Allium with slender hollow leaves and edible purple flowers.
Structure, development and life cycle
Clusters of small underground bulbs enlarge over time. Spherical flower heads appear in spring and attract insects. Plants reproduce by seed or by dividing mature clumps. Garlic chives, Allium tuberosum, are a separate flat-leaved, white-flowered species.
Growing, uses and cautions
Sun, draining but evenly moist soil and periodic cutting encourage fresh leaves. Cut without damaging the base, and divide every few years to reduce crowding. Flowers used as food should come from unsprayed plants. Onion relatives can harm dogs and cats and should not be fed to pets.
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