Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Green Onion/Scallion
Allium fistulosum
Chives vs Green Onions: Onion-Flavored Herbs for Container Gardens
Comparing chives and green onions for container growing. Learn which allium is better for your cooking needs and growing style.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🧅Chives | 🧅Green Onion/Scallion | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | easy | Chives |
| Days to Harvest | 60 days | 60 days | Green Onion/Scallion |
| Container Size | 6 inch pot | 4 inch pot | Tie |
| Sunlight | full sun | full sun | - |
| Water Needs | moderate | moderate | - |
| Yield | Lower | Higher | Green Onion/Scallion |
| Beginner-Friendly | ⭐ Yes | Moderate | Chives |
Key Differences
Plant Type
Perennial herb. Returns year after year.
Annual/biennial. Replant or regrow from scraps.
Edible Parts
Hollow leaves and purple flowers.
Both white bulb base and green tops.
Flavor Intensity
Mild, delicate onion flavor. Best as garnish.
Stronger onion flavor. Good for cooking.
Growing Method
Grow from seeds, divisions, or transplants.
From seeds or regrow from kitchen scraps in water.
Harvest Style
Snip leaves continuously. Never pull entire plant.
Pull entire plant or cut greens and regrow.
Days to Harvest
60-90 days from seed. Faster from divisions.
60-80 days from seed. Regrow from scraps in 2 weeks.
Best for Chives
Choose Chives if:
- You want a perennial that returns yearly
- You prefer mild onion flavor as garnish
- You enjoy beautiful purple flowers
- You want lower-maintenance growing
- You like delicate herb-like texture
Best for Green Onion/Scallion
Choose Green Onion/Scallion if:
- You want bulbs and greens for cooking
- You prefer stronger onion flavor
- You use large quantities in stir-fries
- You want regrowable kitchen scraps
- You enjoy continuous harvesting
Can They Grow Together?
Yes, they can grow together!
Chives and green onions grow well together in containers. Both are alliums with similar needs. Their strong scent deters pests from neighboring vegetables. Plant around the edges of vegetable containers.
The Bottom Line
Chives
Choose chives for perennial growth, beautiful flowers, mild garnish flavor, and low-maintenance container herb that returns yearly.
Green Onion/Scallion
Choose green onions for stronger cooking flavor, edible bulbs and greens, regrowable scraps, and if you use large quantities in stir-fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Chives or Green Onion/Scallion?
Chives is generally easier to grow in containers. It requires less maintenance and is more forgiving of mistakes.
Which grows faster: Chives or Green Onion/Scallion?
Green Onion/Scallion reaches harvest maturity faster, typically in 60 days compared to 60 days for Chives.
Can I grow Chives and Green Onion/Scallion together?
Yes! Chives and green onions grow well together in containers. Both are alliums with similar needs. Their strong scent deters pests from neighboring vegetables. Plant around the edges of vegetable containers.
Which needs less space: Chives or Green Onion/Scallion?
Both Chives and Green Onion/Scallion have similar space requirements and work well in small containers.
Which produces more: Chives or Green Onion/Scallion?
Green Onion/Scallion typically produces more harvest per plant over the growing season, making it better for maximum yield in limited space.
Which is better for beginners: Chives or Green Onion/Scallion?
Chives is more beginner-friendly due to its forgiving nature and easier care requirements. It's a great first plant for new container gardeners.
What are the main differences between Chives and Green Onion/Scallion?
The key differences include: plant type, edible parts, flavor intensity. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Chives or Green Onion/Scallion for my balcony?
Choose chives for perennial growth, beautiful flowers, mild garnish flavor, and low-maintenance container herb that returns yearly. Choose green onions for stronger cooking flavor, edible bulbs and greens, regrowable scraps, and if you use large quantities in stir-fries. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
Related Plant Guides
Complete Chives Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Chives in containers.
Complete Green Onion/Scallion Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Green Onion/Scallion in containers.
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