When to Plant Chives in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide

Chives

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

One of the most reliable and forgiving herbs in the Australian garden. Perennial clumping herb with mild onion-flavoured hollow leaves and edible purple pompom flowers. Grows in all 7 Australian zones with minimal fuss. Excellent border plant and companion for roses and fruit trees.

Planting Calendar

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
S/T/D S/T/D S/T T — — — — S/T S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 18.9°C (optimal range: 10–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant

How to Grow Chives in Cold / Highland Australia

When to Plant

Plant Oct-Feb. Fully dormant in winter.

Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with compost. Tolerates most soil types.
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade. Tolerates more shade than most herbs.
Spacing
15cm apart, 25cm between rows
Watering
Regular watering, especially in pots. Tolerates some drought but leaves become tough and hollow when stressed. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Companion plants: Rose, Tomato, Carrot, Apple tree, Grape vine

Avoid planting near: Beans, Peas

Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Chives

Recommended Varieties

  • Common chives - very cold hardy

Key Challenges

  • Short active season
  • Late spring start

Pro Tips

  • Extremely cold hardy - will survive hard frosts
  • One of the most reliable herbs for cold zones
  • Pot culture allows earlier start indoors

Harvesting Chives

When ready: Harvest when leaves are 15cm+ tall. Use scissors to cut to 2-3cm above soil level.

How to harvest: Cut entire clump to 2-3cm with sharp scissors. Leaves regrow in 2-3 weeks. Do not pick individual leaves - cutting the whole clump promotes even regrowth.

Common Chives Pests in Cold / Highland Zones

Fungal Spots and Aphids — Risk: MODERATE (score: 48/100)

Organic prevention: Good air circulation. Avoid overwatering. Healthy plants resist aphids.

View all pest alerts →

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