How To Grow Chives Microgreens

<a href='https://typesofmicrogreens.com/author/admin/'>Jon Smith</a>Jon Smith
June 15, 2021

Chive microgreens, also known as micro chives, are elongated microgreens with a needle-like appearance. On average, chive microgreens are 5 to 10 centimeters long. The leaves are bright green and may have edible blackish purple seeds still attached to the tips of the stem.

Chives are from the allium family, which offers a number of health benefits, including anti-cancer properties, improved sleep, regulated mood, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular risk. Chive microgreens are filled with nutrients including vitamins A, C, and E, along with B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Chives are a close relative to onions, shallots, leeks, and garlic; however, their flavor is less pungent. Chives microgreens are easy to grow and add a delightful flavor to your favorite dishes. Grow chive microgreens and add them to your soup, salads, and sandwiches for a punch of flavor.

Chives Microgreen Profile

Chives microgreens are one of the slower types of microgreens to grow; however, it is worth the time and energy. Micro chives have a unique flavor that compliments hamburgers, soups, or salads. Our easy-to-understand microgreen profile provides you with the information you need for micro chives.                                

AttributeProfile
Flavor Pleasant mild, onion flavor  
Pre-Soak (Yes/No)  No; however, you can presoak for a few hours to speed up germination times.
Color  Green
Germination Time  1 to 2 weeks
Harvest Time  3 weeks
Green Thumb Level (1-5)  2-3 – Microgreens have a long germination period.

Chive microgreens may be slow to germinate, but they have a consistently high germination rate Micro chives are prized for their flavor as it compliments most salads, soups, and side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning growing chives microgreens.

Do Chives Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?

Although some microgreens can regrow after harvesting under favorable conditions, micro chives do not regrow.

How Fast Do Chives Microgreens Grow?

It takes approximately 3 weeks for your chive microgreens to grow.

Equipment Needed to Grow Chives Microgreens

Chives microgreens can be grown in either soil or hydroponically. We recommend using the following method to ensure your success when growing micro chives. All you need is a few pieces of equipment, some growing medium, and chive microgreens to have a tray full of these wonderful microgreens.

Chives Microgreen Starter Kits

A deluxe microgreen starter kit will provide you with everything you need to grow chives microgreens. Simply purchase this kit and your seeds and you are on your way to growing delicious micro chives.

Specific Equipment Needed for Chives Microgreens

If you decide to purchase your equipment separately, here is a list of items you will need to be able to grow micro chives:

Mason Jars for Chives Microgreens Soaking

If you decide to soak your chives microgreens, you will want to use a pint mason jar with a screw top lid. Although soaking is not required, soaking your chive seeds will speed for a few hours will speed up the germination process.

Sale
Ball Regular Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, 16-Ounces (4-Pack)
  • Made in America by the Ball Mason Jar Company Great for candles, lotions, jams and jellies, preserves, herbs etc. Lid and airtight band included Set of 4 jars No shipping outside of the continental U.S. The line on the jar says 12oz but you can fill in to 16 oz.

Chives Microgreens Growing Medium

Chives microgreens can be grown hydroponically or in a growing medium like coconut coir or seed starting potting soil.

Coconut Coir

Coconut coir is our preferred growing medium for microgreens or chives. This type of growing medium drains well and is considered the ultimate growing medium for microgreens.

MOTHER EARTH Coco Plus Perlite Mix - For Indoor and Outdoor Container Gardens, Provides Strong Aeration & Drainage, 70% Coconut Coir, Resists Compaction, 50 Liter
  • Mother Earth Coco + Perlite is a great alternative to potting soil as it enables gardeners to aggressively feed and not worry about over-watering
  • Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens
  • Achieve better aeration and drainage with a mix that incorporates 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite
  • Plant directly in Mother Earth Coco + Perlite
  • Coconut coir resists compaction and last longer in a container (vs traditional growing media)

Soil

Seed starting soil provides your microgreens with the nutrients they need to flourish. Remember to avoid overwatering your soil as it can disturb the delicate roots of microgreens.     

FoxFarm Ocean Forest FX14000-1.5 Cubic Foot Organic Potting Soil (2 Pack)
  • SIZE: 38.6 quarts of FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil for your hungry plants
  • APPLICATION: Ultimate potting soil that has everything your plants need in one bag
  • CONTENTS: Blend of earthworm castings, bat guano, sea-going fish & crab meal, forest humus, moss & more
  • PH LEVELS: Ocean Forest is pH adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake
  • BENEFITS: Encourages strong branching and a sturdy, healthy growth habit and is ideal for containerized plantings

Growing Trays

You will need three microgreen trays for your chives microgreens – two for the bottom and one for the top. One tray will need to have holes, two should be solid with no holes. The 10x20 inch growing tray is often preferred; however, growing trays are also available in 10-inch square sizes.

The holes in the growing tray allow the roots to draw the water upwards.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (with Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - WITH Drain Holes
  • Perfect for hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

One growing tray without holes is used as a humidity dome. The other one is used for bottom watering.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (No Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - NO Drain Holes
  • Perfect for use as a drip tray, hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Misting Bottle/Spray Can

A simple misting bottle allows you to gently water your soil without disturbing your chive microgreen seeds.

GETTON 2.0L Garden Sprayer, Hand-held Pressure Pump Sprayer Plant Mister Spray Bottle with Adjustable Nozzle and Detachable Wand for Indoor Outdoor Household Cleaning Garden Lawn Watering
  • 【Safe Pressure Valve】The garden spraying bottle equipped with a safety pressure release valve, which allows you to control the pressure of water and automatically releases the excess pressure. The pump holds a good amount of pressure while offers a place reducing fatigue while operating the equipment.
  • 【Adjustable Nozzle】The premium adjustable nozzle of this garden sprayer can be easily adjusted the intensity of the water from direct injection to fine mist spray as desired. Greater even coverage for a better performance.
  • 【Durable & Easy to Clean】The pump sprayer is manufactured from PP material for excellent durability. 2L Translucent water tank can clearly show the liquid level inside so you can add more in time. It is also convenient for cleaning.
  • 【Wide Application】This universal pressure sprayer can accommodate your daily cleaning and watering needs both indoors and outdoors . Ideal for household cleaning, watering plants and flowers, misting veggies, pet bathing, and moisturizing flowers.
  • 【Ergonomic Handle】The pump pressure sprayer comes with an ergonomic 4-finger handle that is non-slip for effortless use and convenient to be carried anywhere. A removable long wand is good to help spray more spaces or hard-to-reach places.

Light Source

An LED full spectrum grow light provides your micro chives with the light they need to grow healthy.

Sale
Barrina LED Grow Light, 144W( 6 x 24W, 800W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Full Spectrum, High Output, Linkable Design, T8 Integrated Bulb+Fixture, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, 6-Pack
  • Full Spectrum - Barrina grow light is a great option for plants that in seedling, vegetative and flowering cycle. It provides light that plants need, especially blue and red light
  • Integrated Plant Light Chips- Compare with the lamp consisting of only "blue chips" + "red chips", integrated plant light chips have more efficiency and better color layout
  • Super Bright - Consume only 144W with 576 LEDS totally, replacing 800W general plant lights. These grow light provid a higher PPFD
  • Easy Installation - Plug and play. And could link up to 6 grow lights in a series by 48 inches connecting cords. Also, you could mount to ceiling or hang up for shelf. Saving your installation cost and time
  • Quality Assurance - 2-year unlimited warranty, easy and fast replacement is offered if any quality issue

(Optional) Heating Mat

The optional heating mat helps maintain the proper soil temperature for germination.

HYDGOOHO Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat for Seed Starting Propagation and Increase Germination Success 10 Inch x 20.75 Inch MET Safety Standard Certified
  • Makes a differeance in germination time, leafy greens in about 2 days and tomatoes 3-4 days for sprouts.
  • Try to use the seedling heat mat and heat mat thermostat to heat water in the seed container to increase humidity in your grow tent.
  • Using to keep a batch of fermenting beer wort at 72F is also available
  • Great affordable heating solution to starting plants from seed.
  • If you’re doing home gardening for your seasonings, go find this seedling heat mat sets.

(Optional) Microgreen Planting Rack

A microgreen planting rack lets you grow multiple trays of microgreens in a small area. Furthermore, the planting rack allows you to attach grow lights and circulation fans to the rack for improved growth.

Storage Shelves 2100Lbs Capacity, 6-Shelf on Casters 48" L×18" W×82" H Wire Shelving Unit Adjustable Layer Metal Rack Strong Steel for Restaurant Garage Pantry Kitchen,Black
  • IMPRESSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - With six tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
  • STURDY AND DURABLE - Constructed from heavy-duty steel wire, this shelf is durable and resistant to dirt buildup and corrosion. Each shelf has a capacity of up to 220 lbs when properly assembled, with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs total.
  • ADJUSTABILITY - You can adjust the height of the storage shelves in one-inch increments, creating a customized unit best suited for your specific storage needs.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONALITY - This metal shelving unit can be used virtually anywhere, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage, outdoor shed, and more. It’s perfect for storing tools, clothes, books, and whatever else is taking up space in your home or office. Equipped with wheels, you can transport this unit smoothly and efficiently room to room.
  • FAST, EASY ASSEMBLY: The shelving unit comes packaged ready to assemble, and doesn’t require any tools for installation. In just 15 minutes, your unit can be installed and ready to save space.

(Optional) Circulation Fans

Although circulation fans are optional, we recommend them. Circulation fans help to reduce the risk of mold and other soil borne diseases.

Sale
Active Air HORF6 6-Inch Clip-On 360-Degree 5W Brushless Motor Hydroponic Grow Fan with Spring-Loaded Plastic Clip for Gardens, Black, 2 Pack
  • LONG LASTING: Fan features a 5W brushless motor that lasts longer and can be hooked up to fan speed controllers; Features a smooth and quiet operation (2 Pack)
  • CLIP-ON DESIGN: Clip-on portable fan is convenient and effective for small spaces; Can be used to help grow healthy plants or for cooling, in your garden, flood tables for airflow under foliage, small spaces, or on your office desk with a spring-loaded plastic clip that won't mar surfaces
  • AIR-FLOW: With the 6-inch adjustable-angle head that rotates 360 degrees you can direct airflow where you need it and it can also be wall-mounted to free up space
  • DURABLE: The cooling fan features 3 durable plastic blades and the easily-removable safety grills make cleaning a breeze; The motor outlasts traditional fans that use oil to lubricate rotation
  • SPECIFICATIONS: The product has a 6-foot power cord and is powered by DC 5V/5W making it energy efficient; Weight: 1 pound; Dimensions of (L x W x H): 6 x 8 x 8 inches; Quantity: 2

Chives Microgreen Seed

Chives microgreen seeds at True Leaf Market have high germination rates. You will reap a large harvest of micro chives within about 3 weeks.

Step by Step Growing Guide for Chives Microgreens

Are you ready to begin growing chives microgreens? If so, our easy to follow, step by step guide will teach you everything you need to know to begin growing chives microgreens. Then, within a matter of weeks, you will be harvesting and enjoying fresh, delicious chives microgreens.

Step 1 Prepare Your Chives Microgreens Growing Trays

It only takes a few minutes to prepare your chives microgreens growing trays for planting. Begin by placing the growing tray with holes inside a growing tray with no holes. This setup allows for easy bottom watering once your seeds have been planted.

Next, you will need to fill your growing tray with holes up with your growing medium. Then, use the third tray to gently tamp down your soil level so that it is slightly below the top edge of the growing tray. Add more soil if necessary to ensure an even, flat soil surface for your microgreen seeds.

Step 2 Use Your Chives Microgreen Misting Bottle

Once you have leveled your soil, you must moisten the soil thoroughly. Spray your soil thoroughly using your misting bottle and wait for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the soil to absorb the water. Then spray again.

Continue misting the soil and waiting 5 to 10 minutes until the soil is completely moist. Typically, you must water the soil three times to ensure moisture uniformity.

You can also remove the bottom tray and set your tray with holes in an inch or so of water. Allow the tray to soak for 30 minutes. Then, remove the tray from the water, allow it to drain, and then place it inside your growing tray with no holes.

Step 3 Plant Your Chives Microgreen Seeds

Once you have your soil ready and properly moistened, it is time to plant your chives microgreens seeds. You will need approximately 2 ounces of chive microgreen seeds for each 10 inch by 20 inch growing tray.

Sprinkle your seeds evenly across the soil, using your hand or a seed shaker. Spread the seeds generously across the entire tray to ensure even germination. Then, lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.

Finally, using your misting bottle spray the entire surface of the tray one more time to help ensure the top layer of soil and the seeds are properly moistened.

Step 4 Understand The Chives Microgreens Germination Process

Once the chives microgreen seeds have been planted, you will want to invert the third growing tray on top of your microgreen seeds. Place a brick or heavy stone on top of the inverted tray. This weight will help your chives microgreens seeds to grow strong healthy roots.

Place your germination tray in a dark place with good air circulation. Because the micro chive seeds take several weeks to germinate, you will need to periodically check the moisture level of your soil.

If the soil has dried out, add water to the tray with no holes and allow the soil to soak up the moisture for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, remove the bottom tray and pour out any remaining water. Place the tray back in the dark to ensure proper germination.

Step 5 Turn On Your Chives Microgreens Grow Lights

When your microgreens have germinated, remove the inverted tray and thoroughly water your microgreens using the bottom watering method described above. Throughout the remaining growing cycle, you will want to ensure that your microgreen roots are well watered; however, avoid overwatering or allowing your microgreens to sit in water because it can increase the risk of mold.

After your microgreens have been watered, it is time to remove the inverted tray and place your chives under grow lights. Grow lights are designed to help activate photosynthesis to ensure a healthy, large crop. On average, you want to place your chive microgreen grow lights approximately 12 inches above the goring tray.

You will leave the microgreens under the grow lights 24 hours a day for 4 to 7 days until your microgreens grow approximately 2 inches. You want to watch your microgreens carefully so they can be harvested before they grow too large and become tough and woody.

Step 6 Turn On Your Chives Microgreens Circulation Fans

Once you have placed your chives microgreens under the full spectrum grow lights, you will need to turn on your circulation fans. The circulation fans ensure that your microgreens get an ample amount of airflow to reduce the risk of moisture borne and soil borne disease. Much like the grow lights, the circulation fans will run continuously until it is time to harvest your chive microgreens.

Step 7 Know When To Harvest Chives Microgreens

Knowing when to harvest micro chives involves sight and taste. First, you want your microgreens to reach a height of approximately 2 inches high. You will also want to taste your microgreens to ensure they have developed the proper taste profile.

Once your microgreens are ready to harvest, withhold all watering for approximately 8 to 12 hours. Doing so will help ensure your microgreens are crisp and tasty at harvest time. Excessive water in your microgreens can cause them to become soggy, and it can reduce the storage time for chives microgreens.

Harvesting Chives Microgreens

All you need to harvest chive microgreens is a sharp pair of scissors or a sharp knife. Snip or cut the microgreens slightly above the soil line, being careful not to crush the chives microgreens.

If you will be eating your microgreens immediately, dunk your microgreens in a cool water bath and spread out on a paper towel to air dry. If you will be storing your microgreens, do not put them in water; instead, follow the storage direction listed below.

Storing Chives Microgreens

Chive microgreens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days when they are properly prepared for storage. Begin by loosely wrapping your microgreens in a paper towel. The paper towel will help absorb any moisture. Secondly, place your wrapped microgreens in an airtight storage bag or airtight container.

If you will be shipping your microgreens, follow the storage instructions listed above. Keep the microgreens out of direct sunlight and keep them in a refrigerated area during transport.

Once you are ready to enjoy your chives microgreens, remove them from the package and place them in a cool water bath. Swirl the microgreens to remove any dirt and then lay them on clean, dry paper towels and allow to air dry.

Final Thoughts

Chive microgreens are easy to grow as long as you are patient. Chive microgreens have a long germination period; however, the germination rate is high. Plant your seeds every week or two to help ensure you have fresh chive microgreens for your garnishes, soups, sandwiches, and more.

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How To Grow Chives Microgreens
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About The Author
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.

Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Jon Smith

Founder/Writer
Copyright 2021 TypesOfMicrogreens.com All Rights Reserved!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.