Mr Fothergill's Chives Fine Leaf Seeds, Mild onion flavour leaves. If you are short of space chives are decorative enough to be grown in flower borders or pots on the patio, it is a rewarding and long lived herb.

Sow indoors all year round for indoor crops and March to May for outdoor crops. Sow 0.5cm deep, in small pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20°C.is ideal. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 20cm apart. Alternatively plants can be grown on a light windowsill. Or sow outdoors for ease, where they are to crop, 0.5cm deep directly into finely prepared soil. Thin seedlings to 20cm apart. Keep moist. Harvesting: Harvest by cutting leaves once 15cm tall, (outdoor crops from June). Pick a few leaves from each plant so they regrow quickly.

• A hardy perennial, can be grown in pots and as an annual
• Mild onion flavour, perfect for dairy dishes and salads
• Decorative flowers can also be used as a garnish

Sow time: Jan-Dec
Flowering/Harvesting time: Jan-Dec