These are not actually a herb but a vegetable. They are a member of the onion family and produce clumps of leaves 10" (25cm) high with purple flowers on top.Chives prefer a fertile, light, well drained, but moist soil and needs light shade in mid summer. Sow seed in spring or early summer and thin to 6" (15cm) apart. Every 3-4 years thin the clumps out to avoid the plant becoming overcrowded. The split clumps can be replanted to make more clumps.

Harvesting

Cut the leaves with scissors as required.

Uses

Used in salads or in cooking where a delicate onion flavour is required. The flowers can also be eaten or used as decoration in salads.