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PLANTING INSTRUCTIONSSow the seeds ¼ th to ½ an inch deep into the soil. Keep the seeds in darkness to help them germinate. Once the seeds have matured into seedlings, transplant them into the garden in late spring through late summer.Chives seedlings can end up growing too close together that results in clumps. Thin these clumps to 8 - 12 inches apart. The empty space will be filled in overtime. If you want to plant divisions, use a space or shovel to divide the existing clumps. Trim the leaves by 1 inch above the ground, replant the divisions, and cover the bulb with soil. 3 to 5 clumps of chives would be sufficient for a family of 4.GROWING REQUIREMENTSMANUREChives grown outdoors prefers full sun.Chives will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lampsPESTS & DISEASESPests: Onion Thrips, Onion Maggot Diseases: Damping-off, Downy Mildew, Pink Root. Watering the plants in the morning helps to avoid fungal diseases. Companion plants significantly reduce incoming pests on your crops. Watering down the plants with a strong stream of water followed by an application of diluted neem or castor oil on the pest-affected parts of the plant will help to get rid of them.SOILFertile, well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0.SPOTFull sun; at least 6-8 hours of sunlight in a day.TEMPERATUREChives require a temperature of 15°C to 20°C to germinate properly.WATERINGChives need regular watering to grow. However, a fully grown chives plant can also survive in dry soil as well.HOW TO HARVESTCut leaves with shears fairly close to the ground.This will stimulate growth and improve the tenderness of the leaves with each successive harvest.Chives fall under the ‘Cut and Come again’ method of harvesting. You can harvest the chives leaves as soon as they are 6 inches long. Use a sharp knife or garden scissors to cut the leaves. Start with the outer leaves at the base of the plant, then make your way up, depending upon your requirements.A chives plant that is 1 year old can handle a regular harvest pretty well. Make sure to leave some top growth on the clumps to preserve the strength of the bulbs. Stop harvesting 3 weeks before the first frost and allow the plants to flower and expand the clumps.To store chives, place them vertically in a glass jar filled with a couple of inches of water covered with an airtight lid. Remember to not wash these delicate herbs before storing as excessive moisture may lead to decay.