When to Plant Chives in Melbourne — Cool Temperate 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/D S/T/D T — — S S/T S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 10–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant

How to Grow Chives in Cool Temperate Australia

When to Plant

Plant Sep-Mar. Goes 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

Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Chives

Recommended Varieties

  • Common chives
  • Garlic chives

Key Challenges

  • Winter dormancy - looks dead but isn't
  • Slow spring start

Pro Tips

  • Mulch crowns in winter
  • Divide in early spring as shoots emerge
  • Perfectly suited to this zone

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 Cool Temperate Zones

Fungal Spots and Aphids — Risk: MODERATE (score: 67/100)

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

View all pest alerts →

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