How to Start Chives From Seed
Chives are easy, cool-tolerant perennial herbs that grow well from seed. A small clump of seedlings makes a productive plant, so they do not need to be separated into single stems.
Start indoors or direct sow?
Start chives indoors for earlier harvests or direct sow them outdoors. They transplant well, unlike many root crops, and direct-sown plants also establish readily.
When to start Chives seeds
Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the average last spring frost. Direct sow outdoors about 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost, or as soon as soil can be worked.
How to sow the seeds
Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in sterile seed-starting mix, placing several seeds in each cell or small pot. Use containers with drainage and keep the mix evenly moist in a bright location.
Germination
Germination commonly takes 7 to 14 days, best at roughly 60 to 70 F. Moisture should be steady but not excessive.
Seedling care
Provide strong light after emergence and water when the top of the mix is starting to dry. Keep a small clump in each cell, thin only overcrowded groups, and maintain airflow to discourage damping off.
Transplanting & hardening off
Harden clumps off for 7 to 10 days, then transplant them outdoors around the last frost date. Set each clump at its original depth in sun to part shade and water it in well.
Tips
Sow several seeds per cell to create a full clump. Do not cut heavily until plants have developed several sturdy leaves.
General seed-starting guidance for US home gardens; timing depends on your local frost dates and variety. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.