What To Do With The Purple Flowers On Chives?
Introduction
Flower gardening is an exciting and rewarding hobby that can give you beautiful blooms, fresh herbs, and nutritious vegetables. One of the most popular flowers to grow in flower gardens is chives. Not only do they make an attractive addition to any garden, but they also have edible purple flowers with a unique flavor.
In this article, we’ll discuss what chives are, the benefits of growing them, how to plant and care for them, when to harvest them, and what you can do with their edible flowers. We’ll also provide some tips on making a salad with chive blossoms and garnishing a dish with them. With this guide in hand, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and flavor of chives in your own garden.
What are Chives?
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a species of flowering plants in the onion family that are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They typically grow up to 20 inches tall and have long grass-like leaves that reach up to 12 inches long. The purple flowers grow from the tops of the stems in round clusters and have a mild onion-like taste. They are also edible and can be used as an herb or garnish on many dishes.
Benefits of Growing Chives
Chives are not only beautiful but they also offer many benefits when grown in flower gardens. They are easy to care for and can tolerate most soil types as long as they receive enough sunlight.
Additionally, they attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies while repelling pests like aphids and slugs. Finally, their purple flowers can be used in cooking or even added directly into salads for an interesting flavor.
How to Plant Chives
When planting chives it’s important to choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. You should also prepare your soil by mixing in compost or other organic matter before planting the bulbs about two inches deep into the soil. After planting it’s important to water regularly until the plants become established then reduce watering frequency once the plants begin flowering.
How to Care for Chives
Once your chive plants are established you will need regular care including fertilizing once every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 as well as mulching around the base of the plant during hot weather months.
Additionally, you should deadhead spent blooms regularly so that new ones can form throughout the growing season. Finally it’s important not to let your chive plants become too crowded so make sure you divide them every few years or so if needed.
When to Harvest Chives
When harvesting your chive plants it’s best to wait until they have reached at least 6 inches tall before snipping off individual leaves or stems with scissors or pruning shears being sure not to take more than one third of each plant at any time.
Additionally it’s best not harvest during hot summer months as this could cause stress on the plants which could impact their overall health negatively so wait until cooler weather arrives before harvesting again if needed.
Uses for Chive Blossoms
The pretty purple flowers on chives can add a unique flavor and texture when used in cooking making them perfect for salads, soups, omelets, baked goods and more! Additionally they can be used as an attractive garnish on dishes like dips or hummus giving them both flavor and visual appeal!
Making a Salad With Chive Blossoms
Making a salad with chive blossoms is easy! Simply toss together your favorite lettuce mix along with diced tomatoes cucumbers olives red onions feta cheese croutons crumbled bacon walnuts almonds sunflower seeds etc Add your desired dressing then top off with freshly snipped chive blossoms for both color & flavor! Enjoy!
How To Garnish A Dish With Chive Blossoms
Garnishing dishes with chive blossoms is easy! Simply snip off several blossoms & scatter them over your favorite dip hummus spread etc Enjoy!
How To Use Chinese Chive Flowers
Chinese chive flowers (Allium tuberosum) produce edible white flowers with a garlic flavor that is stronger than their leaf itself making them perfect for adding garlic flavors without actually using garlic cloves in dishes like stir fries noodles soups etc Simply snip off several white flowers & add directly into your dish before serving Enjoy!
Conclusion
Growing chives is an excellent way to add both beauty & fresh flavors into your garden & culinary creations alike So why not give it a try today? With this guide you’ll be able enjoy all that these lovely little purple blossoms have to offer in no time at all!
