Step-by-Step: Growing Chives in Containers – A Complete UK Guide

Introduction

Mild, onion-flavoured, and wonderfully versatile, chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow—and they thrive in containers! Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner with a sunny windowsill or patio, chives are low-maintenance, attractive, and useful in the kitchen year-round.

This complete guide walks you through how to grow chives in containers, from choosing the right pots and compost to sowing, caring, harvesting, and maintaining healthy plants indoors or outdoors in the UK climate.

Why Grow Chives in Containers?

• 🌿 Space-saving – Ideal for balconies, patios, windowsills, and small gardens
• 🪴 Control growth – Prevents chives from spreading in garden beds
• 🧄 Culinary staple – Use in salads, omelettes, potatoes, and dips
• 🐝 Attracts pollinators – Edible purple flowers bring bees to your garden
• 🍃 Easy to grow – Perfect for beginners and low-maintenance gardens

Best Types of Chives to Grow

Tip: Grow both types in separate pots for flavour variety!

When to Plant Chives in the UK

Chives are perennial—once established, they’ll come back every year.

Choosing the Right Container for Chives

• Size: At least 15–20cm wide and deep
• Material: Terracotta, ceramic, or plastic with drainage holes
• Drainage: Essential—add crocks or gravel at the bottom to prevent waterlogging
• Position: Full sun or light shade (south-facing spots are ideal)

Great Places to Grow Chives in Containers:

• Kitchen windowsills
• Patios and balconies
• Conservatories or greenhouses
• Raised herb planters

How to Grow Chives in Containers: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sow or Plant

From Seed:

1. Fill a pot with multipurpose compost mixed with a little perlite for drainage
2. Scatter seeds thinly on the surface
3. Cover lightly with a fine layer of compost or vermiculite
4. Water gently with a fine spray
5. Keep in a warm place (15–20°C) – germination takes 7–14 days
6. Thin seedlings to 2–3cm apart, or transplant when 5–7cm tall

From Transplants or Divisions:

• Place plant in centre of pot
• Backfill with compost and firm gently
• Water thoroughly and place in a sunny spot

Step 2: Water and Feed

• Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy
• In hot weather or indoors, chives may need watering every 1–2 days
• Feed monthly with a diluted liquid herb fertiliser during the growing season
• Avoid overfeeding—it can reduce flavour

Step 3: Positioning Your Container

• Chives thrive in full sun, but tolerate light shade
• Keep them in a sheltered spot, protected from strong winds
• Indoors: Place on a sunny windowsill, ideally south or west-facing
• Outdoors: Ideal for herb pots, tabletop planters, or window boxes

Ongoing Chive Care in Containers

Pruning and Maintenance:

• Regularly trim leaves to encourage bushier growth
• Cut back all foliage to 2.5cm above soil every few months to rejuvenate the plant
• Remove spent flower stems to prevent self-seeding unless you want more plants

Repotting:

• Every 2–3 years, divide and repot clumps to prevent overcrowding
• Top up compost annually for nutrients and structure

Growing Chives Indoors

Indoor Growing Tips:

• Place in a bright spot—at least 6 hours of light per day
• Rotate pots regularly to ensure even growth
• Use grow lights in winter or low-light homes
• Keep away from dry heat sources like radiators

Growing Chives Outdoors in Pots

• Wait until all risk of frost has passed before placing pots outside
• Chives tolerate light frosts but prefer warm, sunny conditions for lush growth
• Mulch the soil surface in containers to retain moisture
• In winter, you can:
  • Leave chives outdoors to go dormant
  • Bring pots into a greenhouse or cold frame
  • Cover with fleece to protect from hard frosts

Harvesting Chives

When to Harvest:

• Begin harvesting when leaves are 15cm tall
• Start cutting from 8–10 weeks after sowing
• Continue harvesting from spring through autumn

How to Harvest:

• Use clean scissors to cut leaves close to the base
• Cut in clumps rather than single leaves
• Always leave at least a third of the plant for regrowth

Using Chives in the Kitchen

• Add to scrambled eggs, baked potatoes, soups, and salads
• Stir into cream cheese, butter, or dips
• Garnish meat or fish dishes
• Use flowers in salads—they are edible and peppery!

Preserving Chives

Short-Term Storage:

• Wrap in damp kitchen towel and keep in the fridge for up to 1 week

Long-Term Storage:

• Freezing: Chop and freeze in ice cube trays with a little water or oil
• Drying: Less effective as flavour fades—freezing is preferred

Companion Planting with Chives in Pots

Chives make excellent companion herbs—even in pots!

Good Companions:

• Parsley – Both prefer similar moisture and light
• Thyme and oregano – Grow well in multi-herb planters
• Strawberries – Chives deter aphids and improve flavour
• Tomatoes – Chives repel pests and add colour

Tip: Avoid growing chives in the same pot with mint, which is too aggressive.

Common Problems and Solutions

How to Propagate Chives

Chives are easily propagated by division or seed.

By Division (Best Method):

1. Lift clump from pot in spring or autumn
2. Gently separate into smaller clumps (each with roots)
3. Repot each clump into fresh compost
4. Water and place in bright light

From Seed:

• Sow new seeds every 1–2 years to refresh your stock
• Ideal for succession planting

Chives in Winter

• Chives naturally die back in winter outdoors but regrow in spring
• Cut back dead growth in late winter
• If growing indoors or in greenhouses, chives can grow year-round
• Mulch outdoor pots or move to a sheltered spot for protection

Conclusion

Whether you grow them for their mild onion flavour, pretty purple flowers, or pest-repelling powers, chives are a must-have herb that thrives in containers. With a sunny spot, occasional feeding, and regular harvesting, your container-grown chives will keep producing lush, flavourful leaves throughout the growing season—and beyond.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can enjoy a constant supply of fresh chives in your kitchen, patio, or balcony—perfect for adding a quick burst of flavour to any dish.

Top 10 Questions and Answers About Growing Chives in Containers

1. Can I grow chives in small pots?

Yes—just ensure they are at least 15cm wide and deep with good drainage.

2. Do chives grow well indoors?

Absolutely. Just place them on a sunny windowsill and rotate for even growth.

3. How long do chives last in containers?

Chives are perennial and can last for years with division and repotting every 2–3 years.

4. How often should I water container chives?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry—more often in hot weather.

5. Can I grow garlic chives in pots?

Yes. They grow well alongside regular chives and offer a unique flavour.

6. How do I keep potted chives growing bushy?

Regularly snip and use the leaves, and cut back hard once or twice a season.

7. Should I let chives flower?

Yes—for pollinators, or remove flower stalks to promote more leaf growth.

8. What’s the best compost for chives in pots?

Use multipurpose compost, optionally mixed with grit or perlite for drainage.

9. Will chives survive winter outdoors in pots?

Yes—with some protection or mulch. They’ll die back and regrow in spring.

10. Can I grow chives from supermarket herbs?

Yes—divide and repot in fresh compost. Keep well-lit and watered.