Grow Light for Chives Indoors for Winter Snipping
A grow light for chives indoors lets a pot grow on so you can snip leaves all winter. University of Minnesota Extension notes chives grow easily indoors in a bright sunny spot. Penn State Extension lists chives among good options for an indoor herb garden, plus a lamp close above the pot fills dim winter days.
The short answer
Chives need bright light indoors. University of Minnesota Extension notes six to eight hours of direct light is ideal. Penn State Extension advises 6 to 12 inches from two fluorescent bulbs for 14 to 16 hours. Snip a few leaves at a time about 2 inches from the base so the clump regrows.
How much light do chives need indoors?
University of Minnesota Extension notes chives tolerate light shade, but six to eight hours of direct light is ideal. Iowa State University Extension lists chives among herbs that tolerate a little less light than others. A winter window rarely gives that much, so a timed grow light adds the rest.
| Setting | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Direct light | 6 to 8 hours | University of Minnesota Extension |
| Fluorescent distance | 6 to 12 inches | Penn State Extension |
| Fluorescent hours | 14 to 16 hours | Penn State Extension |
| Cutting height | About 2 inches from the base | University of Wisconsin Extension |
| Indoor feeding | Light liquid feed every 4 to 6 weeks | University of Minnesota Extension |
Source: University of Minnesota Extension, Penn State Extension plus University of Wisconsin Extension.
Should garden chives rest before coming inside?
University of Wisconsin Extension notes chives are a hardy perennial plus the foliage dies back over winter in cold climates. It advises potting small clumps in fall to grow on a bright windowsill through winter. Chives can also start from seed. University of Minnesota Extension advises pots with drainage holes plus a light houseplant mix.
How do you cut chives so they regrow?
University of Wisconsin Extension advises cutting just some leaves in a clump for a continuous harvest, about 2 inches from the base. Cutting the whole clump back means several weeks of regrowth. University of Minnesota Extension advises snipping from the base plus notes regular cutting stops seed formation.
How to: step by step
- Pot a small clump of chives in fall or start a pot from seed.
- Use a pot with drainage holes plus a light houseplant mix.
- Set the pot under a grow light or in a bright window.
- Hang a fluorescent light 6 to 12 inches above the leaves.
- Snip a few leaves about 2 inches from the base.
- Water when the top of the mix feels dry.
Troubleshooting
Thin floppy leaves: low light. Lower the lamp.
Brown leaf tips: dry mix. Water steadily.
Slow regrowth: too much cut at once. Take less at each cut.
For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis, grow light timers, 10 easy to grow herbs that wont get you high plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks seeds for indoor growers.
Sources
- Growing chives, University of Minnesota Extension
- Chives, Allium schoenoprasum, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Growing herbs indoors, Penn State Extension
- Growing herbs indoors, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
FAQ
Do chives need a dormant period?
Not to grow indoors. University of Wisconsin Extension notes chive foliage dies back over winter in cold climates, yet it advises potting small clumps in fall to grow on a bright windowsill through winter. A grow light on a timer helps when the window is dim during the short days of the year.
Can chives grow from grocery store plants?
A potted chive plant with roots can move into a larger pot with drainage holes plus a light houseplant mix, as University of Minnesota Extension advises for indoor chives. University of Wisconsin Extension notes chives start easily from seed or division, so a rooted clump divides into several small pots.
How often can chives be cut?
University of Wisconsin Extension advises cutting chives as needed, taking just some leaves in a clump for a continuous harvest. If the entire clump is cut back, it takes several weeks to regrow. Indoors, snip a few leaves at a time rather than the whole pot so new leaves follow steadily.
Do chive flowers grow indoors?
Sometimes, though leaves are the main crop indoors. University of Wisconsin Extension notes chives bloom in mid spring to early summer. University of Minnesota Extension advises snipping leaves from the base, which stops seed formation plus holds the plant productive. If a flower forms indoors, cut it off to favor new leaves.
Do indoor chives need fertilizer?
Only a little. University of Minnesota Extension notes over fertilizing can harm chives. For plants indoors in a sunny window, it advises a light liquid feed every four to six weeks. Penn State Extension advises a low dose of water soluble fertilizer for indoor herbs in general.
