Organic Polyvert Chives - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

The 'Polyvert' Chives is a variety with aromatic foliage consisting of dark green leaves that are best enjoyed raw, finely chopped. This condiment plant forms a clump that is 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12in) high and can also be used in ornamental gardens due to its charming flowering. Its stems regenerate with each harvest. Sowing from late February to June - Harvest from late May to late September.

Chives are a flavourful perennial aromatic plant. It is one of the most popular herbs. It belongs to the same family as garlic, onion, and shallot. It has a clump habit and thin hollow cylindrical leaves. It is a perennial plant that will be cultivated for two or three years because beyond that, it tends to exhaust itself and become less productive. It will then need to be divided.

The fresh, garlicky, and slightly spicy taste of its sprigs goes well with many dishes: omelettes, stuffings, savory tarts, and seasoning for fresh cheeses. It is a must-have in herb gardens, but there is nothing stopping you from mixing styles and planting it everywhere in the garden, especially at the base of rose bushes: its pompom-like flowering in pinkish-purple is charming, and its aromas repel aphids and prevent black spot disease. It is therefore also a first-class companion plant.

Harvest: Chives can be harvested over a long period, from late spring to autumn, and can be simply cut with scissors at the base of the clump. Regular harvesting stimulates the renewal of the foliage.

Storage: Chives can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator or for a few months by drying or freezing. However, it is preferable to consume it freshly picked in order to fully enjoy its fragrance.

Gardener's tip: To limit watering, we recommend that you mulch the soil with thin successive layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves, starting from late May. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also reduces weed growth.