While I was snapping pictures in the garden last night, I noticed quite a few chive heads that were dried up and ready to be harvested. So this afternoon I headed out to the garden with a basket and collected the spent flower heads. If you have never collected chive seeds before, the process is very easy and straight forward. Although is most areas chives will reseed themselves, I always like to collect a few seeds just in case.
I have plans to relocate my herb garden next spring, and I want to make sure I have some extra chive seeds on hand just in case.
How to Harvest Chive Seeds
- When chive blossoms have faded, and turned a pale tan color, snip the blossoms off with a pair of scissors
- Over a colander, rub the blossoms between your thumb and forefingers to release the seeds
- Lift the colander, remove any excess chaff to collect the chive seeds
- Store seeds in an airtight container, in a cool dark place
- Plant seeds in early spring for a late summer chive harvest
Will you be saving any seeds this year?
If so, what kind. And if you are a seed saver, how long have you been saving your seeds?
Want to learn more about saving seeds? Check out The Complete Guide to Saving Seeds: 322 Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, Flowers, Trees, and Shrubs
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Kathy says
My chive flowers don’t get to the point of drying out…they get eaten! But I have saved boxwood basil this year was the only herb that flowered for my in NE Ohio.
Mari the Kiwi says
Hi Mavis.
I have learnt from experience that it is wise to keep the freshly picked seeds in a paper bag or envelope for a couple of weeks out of the light, to let the seeds completely dry out. Putting them straight into a plastic bag can cause them to sweat and it just takes one sweaty seed to cause the moisture that makes them all rot.
Before putting them into a plastic bag, I wrap them in a little tinfoil envelope. This keeps them in the dark and reduces temperature changes. The only seeds I dry in the sun are pumpkin/squash/zucchini and tomato, and then just for a few days, then into a paper bag, then plastic and foil a couple of weeks later. The rest I do in the paper bag, then foil/plastic bag. I have been getting about 89% strike rate so must be doing something right.
Mavis says
Thanks Mari. 🙂
Cyntha says
I love to eat the blossoms. They make such beautiful garnishes. I just grab the flower at the base and then pull off the individual flowers with my other hand as they come out easily and sprinkle them on anything from vegetable pizza to spaghetti. Currenty, I am eating lots of garlic chive blossoms, but I recently stumbled on a website that says the seeds are edible too, and are somewhat peppery, so I am waiting for my few remaining seeds to mature, so I can try this. If so, I may have a new special spice for all my friends next year. Chives are so easy and delicious to grow.
Micaela says
Sounds interesting, did not know the blossoms were edible. Do you eat the blossoms when they are fresh or already dried out?
Cyntha says
I eat the blossoms when they are fresh and beautiful.
Just pull them out of the cluster, like I wrote about, and enjoy.
Kathryn says
They are also a carminative
Robin Welch says
I make chive blossom infused vinegar great for making your own salad dressings. And super easy check out this recipe if interested http://www.foodinjars.com/2011/05/chive-blossom-vinegar/
Georgia Roberts says
Are chive seeds available anywhere they sell plants/vegetables?