Chives Farming
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a hardy, perennial herbaceous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family, which also includes onion and garlic. They are primarily cultivated for their slender, hollow green leaves and attractive edible flowers, both of which carry a mild onion-like flavor. Highly versatile, chives hold value in fresh markets, dried herb production, and as ornamental plants.
In addition to their delicate taste and strong nutritional benefits, they are widely used in culinary dishes and traditional remedies. Grown commercially as well as in home gardens, chives are prized for their tender leaves, edible blossoms, and their role in natural pest management through companion planting. Their adaptability to diverse climates, low maintenance requirements, and potential for multiple harvests make them a profitable and sustainable crop for both small-scale and professional cultivation.
Chives farming has emerged as a highly profitable and sustainable venture for commercial growers due to its low input requirements and high market value. With a total investment of just NRs. 54,000 per acre, farmers can earn an impressive income of NRs. 315,000, resulting in a net profit of NRs. 261,000.
This translates into a remarkable return on investment (ROI) of 483%, clearly showcasing the strong potential of chives farming profit per acre. Such profitability, combined with the crop’s adaptability and multiple harvests, makes chives a lucrative option for those seeking long-term, sustainable agricultural income.
Land Preparation
Proper land preparation is fundamental for establishing a robust and sustainable chive crop, given its perennial nature. The initial step involves deep tilling to a depth of 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) to fracture compacted soil layers, enhance aeration, and encourage deep root growth. Subsequently, the soil should be left to weather for a week before being finely broken up through multiple rounds of harrowing.
This is followed by leveling the area to promote even irrigation and avoid water saturation. The process concludes with the creation of raised beds, which are 1–1.2 meters wide with 30–40 cm pathways between them. These beds are critical for improving drainage and protecting the perennial chive plants from root rot.
Soil Type
Chives grow best in well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter, with loamy and sandy loamy soils being ideal. The optimal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.0, though the crop can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions; however, highly acidic soils may cause nutrient deficiencies. Good drainage is essential, as waterlogged conditions can quickly result in root rot and plant death.
Climatic Requirements
Chives are extremely cold-hardy perennials that can thrive in a wide range of climates. They have the ability to withstand freezing winters by dying back to their underground bulbs and re-sprouting with the arrival of spring, making them highly resilient plants.
Growing chives requires a temperature range of 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). The crop is flexible and can withstand both higher and lower temperatures without suffering severe harm, even though this range encourages the best growth.
Chives need full sunlight, ideally 6 to 8 hours each day, for optimum yield and strong growth. Plants may develop more slowly and frequently have a less powerful flavor than those cultivated in full light, even though they can tolerate partial shade.
Major Cultivars
| Cultivar Type | Scientific Name | Description | Key Characteristics |
| Common Chives | Allium schoenoprasum | The standard type with thin, dark green, cylindrical leaves and pinkish-purple flowers. | Mild onion flavor. The most common garden variety. |
| Garlic Chives | Allium tuberosum | Has wider, flat, strap-like leaves and produces white flowers. | Distinct, mild garlic flavor. A separate species from common chives. |
| ‘Profusion’ | Allium schoenoprasum | An improved variety of common chives. | Produces very few seeds, which promotes more vigorous leaf growth. |
| ‘Staro’ | Allium schoenoprasum | An improved variety of common chives. | Prized for its vigorous growth, high yields, and dark green leaves. |
| ‘Grolau’ | Allium schoenoprasum | A Swiss-bred improved variety. | Developed for forced production (e.g., greenhouse growing); has sturdy, dark leaves. |
Propagation
Chives are mainly propagated through seeds, which serve as the most widely used and economical method for establishing new fields, particularly on large scales. However, this approach requires more time before the crop becomes harvestable.
Seed Rate per Acre
| Method of Planting | Seed Rate per Acre | Notes |
| Direct Seeding | 2–3 kg | Requires more seeds due to lower germination and field conditions. |
| Transplanting (Nursery) | 500 g – 1 kg | Fewer seeds are needed because of higher germination and better control. |
Nursery Management
Sowing
The process begins by sowing chive seeds in a well-prepared nursery bed or, for better control, in seedling trays. These trays or beds should be filled with a sterile potting mix to provide a healthy environment free from soil-borne diseases and to ensure good drainage for the developing seedlings.
Depth and Spacing
When sowing, seeds should be distributed thinly to prevent overcrowding. They are planted at a shallow depth of approximately 0.5 cm (a quarter of an inch). For organization and optimal growth, seeds are sown in rows that are spaced 5 to 7 cm apart from each other.
Care and Germination
Consistent moisture is critical for successful germination. The seedbed must be kept moist at all times, but care should be taken to avoid making it waterlogged and soggy. Under these conditions, germination will occur, though it can be a slow process, typically taking between 10 to 14 days.
Transplanting Readiness
When seedlings are 10–12 cm (4-5 inches) tall, they are deemed ready to be transplanted to their permanent place. More significantly, they need to have grown a robust enough root system to endure the transplanting procedure. Six to eight weeks following the first seeding, this growth stage is typically reached.
For Leek Farming, please visit:Leek Farming Profit Per Acre.
Planting
a). Planting Season
The ideal planting season for chives varies by region; in the plains, the best time to plant is during October–November, right after the monsoon, while in hilly areas, April–May in spring is considered most suitable.
b). Spacing
For optimal growth of chives, a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 20 cm between individual plants should be maintained.
c). Pit Preparation
To make room for the seedling’s root ball, little pits are dug at the suggested intervals.
d). Planting Method
The most dependable procedure is transplantation. Make sure the crown—the area where the leaves and roots meet—is at soil level before carefully placing the seedling in the pit. Cover it with firm soil and water right away.
e). Number of Plants per Acre
With a spacing of 30 cm x 20 cm, you can accommodate approximately 67,450 plants per acre.
Intercropping
Chives, being a compact and non-vining crop, are well-suited for intercropping with slower-growing vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, and brassicas like cabbage and broccoli. In addition to efficient space utilization, the strong scent of chives also helps in deterring pests from these companion plants.
Irrigation
Irrigation should begin as soon as the chives are planted and continue as needed to maintain the soil’s moisture content, usually 1-2 times per week, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are highly recommended since they save water, keep foliage dry to avoid foliar diseases, and provide water straight to the roots. After every harvest, enough moisture is especially important during the active growth periods.
Fertilizer and Manure
Chives are moderate feeders, and conducting a soil test is recommended to ensure precise and balanced nutrient application.
| Fertilizer Type | Recommendation per Acre | Application Timing / Notes |
| Farm Yard Manure (FYM) / Compost | 15–20 tonnes | Incorporate during land preparation before planting. |
| Biofertilizers | Azospirillum + PSB + Potash Mobilizing Bacteria, 800 g each | Apply as basal dose before planting. |
| Inorganic Fertilizers (N-P-K) | 50–60 kg N, 50 kg P₂O₅, 50 kg K₂O | Apply full dose of P and K, and half dose of N as basal; remaining N applied as top-dressing after each harvest to promote regrowth. |
Weed Control
Weed control for chives is most critical during the first 2–3 months after planting, until the plants form a dense canopy capable of naturally suppressing weeds. Effective methods include manual weeding or hoeing, taking care to be shallow due to the crop’s shallow roots, and applying organic mulch such as straw or grass clippings, or black plastic mulch, which helps suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Interculture Operation
Pruning Through Harvesting
The primary form of pruning for chives is the regular harvesting of the leaves themselves. Cutting the foliage back to a height of 2-3 cm (approximately 1 inch) above the soil level is recommended. This practice encourages the plant to continuously produce fresh, tender growth and prevents it from becoming woody and unproductive over time.
Flower Stalk Removal
To maintain high-quality leaf production, it is critical to remove flower stalks immediately upon their appearance. The process of flowering signals a shift in the plant’s energy, diverting resources away from vegetative leaf development and into reproductive seed creation. Allowing flowering to occur will significantly reduce both the yield and the culinary quality of the leaves.
Rejuvenation by Division
To manage plant health and vigor in the long term, established chive clumps should be divided every three to four years. This is best performed in the early spring. The process involves digging up an overgrown clump, carefully separating it into smaller, healthy sections, and replanting them. This operation rejuvenates the plants by reducing crowding, improving air circulation, and stimulating new growth.
Flowering and it’s Management
Chives produce attractive globular flower heads, typically pinkish-purple, which add ornamental value to gardens.
For growers focused on culinary leaf production, it is important to remove all flower heads, as flowering diverts energy from leaf growth and can reduce overall yield.
If the goal is to harvest chive flowers for ornamental purposes or the edible flower market, the plants should be allowed to bloom. However, it should be noted that flowering plants will produce fewer leaves.
Additionally, chives can self-seed prolifically if flower heads are not removed, which can lead to new plants growing naturally in the garden.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests
Onion Thrips
Onion thrips, which create distinctive silvery streaks and spots on chive foliage, can be effectively controlled through both chemical and organic approaches. Chemical treatments include applying Spinosad 45% SC at a rate of 100–120 ml per 200 liters of water, or Fipronil 5% SC at 800–1000 ml per 200 liters of water.
These should be administered as soon as pests are detected, with careful attention to complete coverage of the plants. For organic alternatives, neem oil (0.15% azadirachtin concentration) may be used at 2.5–3.0 liters per 200 liters of water, or insecticidal soap can be applied following the product’s guidance, generally at a concentration of 2–5%.
Aphids
Aphids cluster on new chive growth, sucking sap and causing leaf curling, and can be managed through chemical or organic methods. For chemical control, Acetamiprid 20% SP can be applied at 60–80 grams in 200 liters of water, or Imidacloprid 17.8% SL at 100–150 ml in 200 liters of water.
Organic and biological measures include using a strong water spray to dislodge pests, applying neem oil as previously recommended, and releasing beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to naturally control aphid populations.
Common Diseases
Downy Mildew
The fungus Peronospora destructor is the source of this illness, which is recognized by the presence of fuzzy, purplish-gray fungal growth on the leaf surfaces. It grows best in chilly, humid environments. Through cultural techniques like maintaining adequate air circulation between plants and refraining from overhead watering to keep foliage dry, management focuses on prevention.
Use fungicides as a preventative step in the event of an outbreak. Fosetyl-Al 80% WP at a dose of 1.5-2 grams per liter of water or Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP at a dose of 2-2.5 grams per liter of water are examples of effective chemical controls. Follow the manufacturer’s directions at all times.
Powdery Mildew
Caused by various fungi, this disease presents as white, powdery spots that can spread to cover the entire leaf surface, hindering photosynthesis. Management strategies are similar to those for downy mildew: promote good air flow and avoid wetting the leaves.
For chemical control, apply fungicides such as Sulfur 80% WP at a dose of 2-3 grams per liter of water or Hexaconazole 5% SC at a dose of 1.5-2 ml per liter of water. Thorough coverage of all leaf surfaces is essential for effective control.
Bulb Rot (White Rot)
Bulb rot, or white rot, is a serious and persistent soil-borne fungal disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii or Sclerotinia species. Infected plants show symptoms such as wilting, yellowing, and white, cotton-like fungal growth around the base of bulbs or stems. Since chemical treatments are often ineffective, control relies mainly on preventive and cultural practices.
Essential measures include planting only certified disease-free material, ensuring good field drainage, and following a long crop rotation, avoiding allium crops like garlic and onions for at least five years. Carbendazim 50% WP can be applied as a soil drench at 1 gram per liter of water as a preventive treatment, though it may not be fully effective once the infection is established.
Harvesting
The first harvest of chives can begin 60–75 days after transplanting, or once the plants are well-established and reach a height of about 15–20 cm (6–8 inches).
For harvesting, use sharp and clean scissors or a knife to cut the leaves down to 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) above the soil level, avoiding pulling, which can uproot the bulbs.
Under favorable growing conditions, chives can be harvested every 3–4 weeks throughout the season, allowing for continuous leaf production.
For optimal flavor and post-harvest quality, it is best to harvest chives in the cool morning hours after the dew has dried.
Yield
A well-managed farm can produce around 8,000 to 12,000 kg (8–12 tonnes) of fresh leaves per acre annually through multiple harvests. The fresh-to-dry weight ratio is approximately 8:1 to 10:1, meaning it takes 8–10 kg of fresh chives to obtain 1 kg of dried chives.
Cost of Investment per Acre for Chives Farming
| S.N. | Categories | Cost of Investment (NRs.) |
| 1 | Land Preparation | 15,000 |
| 2 | Seed | 2,000 |
| 3 | Nursery Management | 3,000 |
| 4 | Transplanting | 3,000 |
| 5 | Fertilizers and Manure | 9,000 |
| 6 | Irrigation | 5,000 |
| 7 | Weed Control (Pre & Post-emergence) | 3,000 |
| 8 | Pest & Disease Control | 3,000 |
| 9 | Harvesting | 6,000 |
| 10 | Miscellaneous Costs | 5,000 |
| Total Cost | 54,000 |
Income per acre from Chives Farming
| Particulars | Estimated Yield / Acre (Kg) | Market Price (NRs./Kg) | Total Income (NRs.) |
| Yield | 9,000 | 35 | 315,000 |
Analysis of Chives Farming Profit Per Acre
With a total investment of NRs. 54,000 per acre, chives farming can generate an income of NRs. 315,000, resulting in a net profit of NRs. 261,000. This provides an impressive return on investment (ROI) of 483%, making chives farming a highly profitable venture. Given its low input costs compared to the high returns, it stands out as a sustainable and lucrative option for commercial farmers.
Crop Calendar for Chives Farming
For Plains & Subtropical Regions (Primary Planting: Oct-Nov, Post-Monsoon)
| Period (Approx.) | Growth Stage | Key Operations & Activities |
| Sept – Oct | Land Preparation | • Deep ploughing (20-30 cm) and harrowing. • Incorporate 15-20 tonnes of Farm Yard Manure (FYM)/compost per acre. • Test soil and adjust pH to 6.0-7.0 if necessary. • Form raised beds (1-1.2m wide) with pathways. |
| Mid-Oct | Nursery Sowing | • Sow seeds (500g-1kg/acre) in a sterile potting mix in trays or a nursery bed. • Sow shallowly (~0.5 cm deep) in rows 5-7 cm apart. • Keep the seedbed consistently moist. Germination in 10-14 days. |
| Dec – Jan | Transplanting | • Transplant seedlings (10-12 cm tall, ~6-8 weeks old) to the main field. • Maintain spacing: 30 cm between rows x 20 cm between plants. • Water immediately after transplanting. |
| Dec – Feb | Establishment Phase | • Irrigation: Water 1-2 times per week via drip or soaker hose to maintain moisture. • Weed Control: Critical period. Use manual weeding (shallow hoeing) or apply organic mulch. • Fertilizer (Basal): Apply full dose of P₂O₅ (50 kg) & K₂O (50 kg), and half dose of N (25-30 kg). Apply recommended biofertilizers (Azospirillum, PSB). |
| Feb – Mar | Active Vegetative Growth | • Continue regular irrigation. • Monitor for pests (Thrips, Aphids) and diseases (Downy Mildew). Apply controls as needed. |
| Mar – Apr | First Harvest | • First harvest 60-75 days after transplanting. Cut leaves to 2-3 cm above soil level with a sharp tool. • Harvest in the cool morning hours. |
| Apr – May | Post-Harvest Management | • Fertilizer (Top-Dressing): Apply the remaining half dose of N (25-30 kg) after harvest to promote regrowth. • Irrigation: Ensure adequate moisture after cutting. |
| May – Oct | Cyclical Harvest & Maintenance | • Harvest every 3-4 weeks when growth reaches 15-20 cm. • Remove flower stalks immediately to divert energy to leaf production. • After each harvest, top-dress with Nitrogen. • Continue vigilant pest and disease monitoring, especially during humid periods. |
| Nov – Dec | Winter Dormancy (Onset) | • Growth slows as temperatures drop. Plants may die back to bulbs. • Reduce irrigation frequency. • The cycle restarts with preparation for the next season’s growth. |
Sources
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources (UC ANR)
European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)
Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU) – Agritech portal
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (Nepal)
Disclaimer: This crop farming profits assume optimal conditions. Actual results may vary depending on climate, market prices, and farm management practices.
