Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

Layer 4 · Herbaceous
Pest repellent

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to the temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America, it is a bulbous herbaceous plant that forms dense clumps of cylindrical leaves. In a food forest, it integrates perfectly into the herbaceous layer, where its strong aroma helps to confuse pests and the blooms attract beneficial insects. It adapts easily to various soil types and resprouts vigorously throughout the growing season after frequent cuttings.

It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.

See which trees chives grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Medium
Light: Full sun
Size: Herbaceous up to 30 cm
Mature diameter: 0.3 m
Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Harvest — Planting
May — Harvest
June — Harvest
July — Harvest
August — Harvest
September — Harvest — Planting
October — Harvest — Planting
November
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: It has antiseptic properties, improves digestion and helps lower blood pressure.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Hazelnut

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.