How to Grow Chive Purdy

Chive Purdy

Allium schoenoprasum 'Purdy'

herb

Chive Purdy is a cultivar of common chives known for its robust growth, larger flower heads, and exceptional cold hardiness. This perennial herb produces slender, tubular green leaves and distinctive purple-pink flowers that are both ornamental and edible. It's an excellent choice for northern gardeners and adds flavor and color to any herb garden.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of sunlight daily for best growth

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times per week; reduce frequency in cooler seasons. Tolerates some drought once established.

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Spacing: 6-12 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from transplant; 120-150 days from seed

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Planting depth: Seed: ¼ inch deep; Transplants: plant at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost aged manure peat moss for moisture retention

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8; exceptional cold hardiness makes it ideal for northern climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny grass-like shoots emerge with 1-2 true leaves, very delicate and slow-growing initially.

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light and gentle air circulation. Thin seedlings if crowded.

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Plant develops multiple slender, tubular leaves in clumps. Foliage becomes increasingly thick and robust.

Water regularly, allowing top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch back flowering buds if focusing on leaf production.

Budding & Flowering

3-4 weeks

Dense purple-pink globe-shaped flower heads form at the tips of stems. Flowers are fully edible and very ornamental.

Allow some flowers to develop for pollinator attraction and seed production. Continue regular watering. Harvest flowers for culinary use or leave for decoration.

Seed Production

2-3 weeks

Flower heads fade and develop seed pods. Seeds mature to dark brown/black color.

Leave flowers on plant if saving seeds. Collect seed heads before they shatter. Deadhead other flowers to encourage continued leaf production.

Dormancy/Perennial Rest

3-5 months (winter)

In fall and winter, foliage dies back completely (or persists in mild zones). Plant survives underground and regrows in spring.

Stop fertilizing in late summer. Reduce watering in dormancy. Cut back dead foliage in spring. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Parsley Dill Cilantro Carrot Tomato Strawberry Rose Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Bean Pea Sage

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs; maintain good air circulation
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
Increase humidity; spray with water mist; use neem oil if severe; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
and
Remove by hand at night; use beer traps; create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth

Uses

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Fresh herb & garnish

Culinary

Chive Purdy's tender leaves provide a mild onion flavor perfect for salads, soups, potatoes, and eggs. The purple-pink flowers are edible, visually striking, and add a delicate onion-flavored garnish to any dish. [source]

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Chive butter & spreads

Culinary

Finely chopped chives mixed into softened butter create an elegant compound butter for steaks and bread. Blended into cream cheese and sour cream for dips. [source]

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Digestive & immune support

Medicinal

Chives contain allicin and other sulfur compounds that support digestion and boost immune function. Traditionally used to promote cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. [source]

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Natural pest deterrent

Household

The strong sulfur compounds in chives help repel certain garden pests and insects. Planting chives near vegetables can reduce pest pressure naturally. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The beautiful purple-pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Chive Purdy an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall, cutting from the base. Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth. Remove entire stems at soil level for best regrowth. Leaves are most tender before flowering. Flowers are edible and peak when fully open; harvest in early morning for best flavor. In perennial plantings, avoid heavy harvesting the first year; subsequent years tolerate frequent harvesting.

Fun Facts

🌱 Chive Purdy was selected for its exceptional cold hardiness and ability to thrive in zones 3-4, making it one of the hardiest chive cultivars available.
🌱 Chives are one of the few herbs that can be successfully grown indoors on a windowsill year-round, and Chive Purdy's vigor makes it especially suited to container growing.
🌱 Both the leaves and flowers are edible and contain beneficial compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, and allicin—the same sulfur compounds found in garlic and onions that have antimicrobial properties.

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