How to Grow Chives in New Zealand
Hardy perennial clump that grows year-round in the warm north. Cut back hard and it regrows quickly. Lift and divide established clumps every few years to keep them productive.
When to plant chives in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best chives varieties for NZ
- Common Chives — Fine onion-flavoured leaves with edible mauve flowers, a perennial clump for cutting. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Garlic Chives — Flat leaves with a mild garlic flavour and white flowers, vigorous and clump-forming. (Kings Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow chives
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 75 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow chives near: Carrot, Tomato.
Pests and problems
Watch for: few pests. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Chives plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant chives in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy chives seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ.