Allium schoenoprasum

Chives are a perennial with onion-scented leaves and abundant beautiful long-lasting pale purple umbrella-shaped flowers from late spring through summer. This variety was selected by our nursery, it has fatter leaves and larger flowers.

The flowers produced in large numbers are ornamental even when dried as they have a papery consistency. It tends to expand by reseeding itself if the faded flowers are not removed, but never at an invasive level. The seeds form in late summer. Its flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, useful for the garden. As well as being aromatic, it is very ornamental: beautiful also in mixed borders, in pots and as a cut flower. Sulfur compounds are produced in such quantities by this allium that they help to ward off invasions of harmful insects in gardens: chives are therefore a useful planting companion in vegetable gardens and gardens.

Classification
Common name: Chives.
Genus and species: Allium schoenoprasum.
Cultivars: -
Family: Alliaceae.

Characteristics
Description of flowers: They look like rounded umbels and last a long time. 2-3cm diameter.
Flower color: Pale purple with intense pink and lilac shades.
Flowering period: Blooms from late spring to summer.
Leaves: Deciduous, cylindrical and erect, in tufts.
Fragrance: The leaves have an intense onion scent.
Dimensions: Height approximately 40 cm, it expands greatly and self-disseminates

Cultivation
Exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
Soil: Being a bulbous plant, it loves well-drained soil.
Irrigation: Medium/poor, never stagnant.
Frost resistance: USDA 2.

Care
Pruning: It loses the aerial part after the arrival of frost, so at the beginning of winter the dry parts can be cut.
Propagation: By division in autumn or upon vegetative awakening; for sowing with temperatures between 15 and 20°C.

Notes of interest
Use in cooking: The flavor is delicate. The leaves and closed flower heads still in bud are used to flavor dishes; they can be frozen for later use. The open flowers can be used to garnish dishes.
Herbal Properties: Chives produce sulfur compounds, similar to those found in garlic, but in much smaller quantities. They therefore have similar medicinal properties (antifungal, antibiotic, improve circulation, etc.).