When you are growing chives (Allium schoenoprasum) of your own, it is helpful to know how to cut them so that they continue to grow healthily and produce more chives for your culinary needs. This isn't a difficult process but it is important to do this properly to ensure regeneration.
Steps
Select the right part of the plant. Look for the long, green, hollow leaves. These appear like grass but are actually leaves.
Have several plants growing at once so that you spread around the cutting. Ensure that the chive leaves are of a good size and that the plants are healthy.
Take the leaves from the close to the ground. Use a pair of sharp, clean scissors to remove the leaves. Do not cut too closely to the bulb, or you will spoil the chances of reshooting.
Leave 2 inches/ 5cm of chives for regrowth.
Prevent the flowering. Remove any attempts to produce flowers, or the leaves will not be of good quality. Deadhead flowers as they appear. If you want more seeds, however, select some flowers to keep for that purpose only.
Use or store. If storing, cut chives can be kept in the refrigerator inside a sealed plastic bag for up to one week. It is also possible to freeze them in ice cubes or to dry them. Another good method for preservation is to make chive vinegar.
Tips
Chives usually grow to about 8 inches / 20 cm in height.
It is recommended that chive plants be divided every two years. When replanting them, plant about 8–10 bulbs together.
Pot up chives in autumn for a winter's indoor supply.
If using the flowers for salads, pick them as they open.
