Sometimes to change salads or give a special touch to our meals we use chive instead of onion. These do not form bulbs like the onion, but they are the leaves that have thickened at the base. In this article we are going to talk about the characteristics and cultivation of chives.
Do you want to learn more about her? Keep reading.
Chives characteristics
Unlike onions, chives develop six shoots and are harvested while they are still green. The part that is consumed is composed of a stem covered by the sheathed parts of the leaves. You could say that it is a false stem similar to the leek. What it does have in common with onion are hollow leaves.
They are normally eaten raw in salads. It is also used to add to some stews or stews. It is a great complement more than a vegetable. When it comes to growing it, it comes in handy with carrots, since it protects them from worms and other pests.
Crop and needs
In order for the chives to grow in good condition, they need a sunny exposure. The place where we sow it must be open and well ventilated. As for their needs, rich soils with an acid tendency and a sandy texture are necessary. The important thing is that the soil has good drainage. Otherwise it could get waterlogged and the roots rot.
It is not very demanding when it comes to nutritional requirements. It can be fertilized if you want an increase in the speed of growth, but you have to be very careful with excess nitrogen.
To avoid the appearance of weeds and thus prevent possible pests and diseases, the best thing is to weed the earth. We remember that weeding is carrying out a tillage task with a rake on the ground.
I hope this information helps you to learn more about chives.