Chives (Chinese) (National Trust)Allium tuberosumGarlic Chives, Oriental Garlic

Direct sow chive seed outdoors from early spring. Grow chives in a well prepared seedbed in full sun. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 1cm (½in) in drills 30cm apart. When large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings within each row to 23cm (9") apart.

Alternatively grow chives indoors or under glass from March to June. Sow in pots or trays on the surface of barely moist seed compost. Cover with a sprinkling of finely sieved compost and place in a propagator at 18-21C (64-70F) until germination which takes 14 - 21 days.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3") pots in bunches of 4 seedlings per pot and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise chive plants to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting outdoors 30cm (12") apart, when all risk of frost has passed.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.