CHIVES - Allium schoenoprasum

A hardy perennial and especially easy to grow, chives are a superb addition to your kitchen garden. They were once hung in bunches around the house to fend off evil spirits but, today, they are popular as boarder plants with their pretty, purple blossoms.

As the entire chive plant is edible, they are extremely versatile. Their flowers can be picked and used as garnishes, and their bulb and leaves can also be eaten. With their light onion flavour, chives can be used in all sorts of summer dishes, from the classic potato salad, to soups and omelets.

How to grow...

Chives are low maintenance. Simply plant them in the ground or in any pot, and place them in a sunny spot where they can soak up four to five hours of sunlight a day.