Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Green Onion/Scallion
Allium fistulosum
Chives vs Green Onions for Containers: Best Onion-Flavored Herb
Comparing chives and green onions for container gardens. Learn which is easier to grow, more productive, and better for small balcony herb gardens.
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 | Higher | Lower | Chives |
| Beginner-Friendly | ⭐ Yes | Moderate | Chives |
Key Differences
Growing Cycle
Perennial. Returns for 5-10 years. Dies back in winter, regrows in spring. Divide every 3 years.
Annual. Harvest entire plant (roots, bulb, greens). Replant every 30-60 days. Or regrow from scraps.
Speed to Harvest
60-90 days from seed to first harvest. But once established, harvest continuously for years.
30-60 days from seed. Or 7-10 days when regrowing from grocery store scraps in water/soil.
Harvest Method
Cut leaves with scissors 2 inches above soil. Leaves regrow continuously. Never harvest entire plant.
Pull entire plant including roots and white bulb. Use everything. Must replant after harvest.
Flavor Profile
Mild, delicate onion-garlic flavor. Subtle. Best as fresh garnish. Won't overpower dishes.
Strong onion flavor. More pungent. White parts sharper, green tops milder. Use in cooking.
Maintenance Level
Extremely low maintenance. Nearly indestructible. Water occasionally. Divide every few years. Done.
Low to moderate. Continuous replanting needed for supply. Easy from scraps but requires attention.
Bonus Features
Produces beautiful purple edible flowers in spring. Flowers are mild, onion-flavored. Great for salads.
No flowers (harvested before flowering). Utilitarian. Entire plant edible. More versatile in cooking.
Best for Chives
Choose Chives if:
- You want perennial herbs (returns yearly)
- You prefer low-maintenance plants
- You want continuous harvests for years
- You love mild onion flavor for garnish
- You want edible purple flowers
Best for Green Onion/Scallion
Choose Green Onion/Scallion if:
- You want strong onion flavor
- You need both white bulbs and green tops
- You want ultra-fast results (3-4 weeks)
- You prefer versatile cooking vegetables
- You can regrow from kitchen scraps
Can They Grow Together?
Yes, they can grow together!
Chives and green onions grow well together in large containers. Both are alliums with similar care needs. Chives are perennial and stay put while green onions are harvested whole. Plant green onions around the perimeter and chives in the center for continuous harvests of both.
The Bottom Line
Chives
Choose chives for a nearly indestructible perennial herb that returns yearly, requires zero maintenance, and provides continuous mild onion flavor for garnishes.
Green Onion/Scallion
Choose green onions for fast results, strong onion flavor, versatile cooking use, and if you enjoy regrowing them from kitchen scraps.
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 large containers. Both are alliums with similar care needs. Chives are perennial and stay put while green onions are harvested whole. Plant green onions around the perimeter and chives in the center for continuous harvests of both.
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?
Chives 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: growing cycle, speed to harvest, harvest method. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Chives or Green Onion/Scallion for my balcony?
Choose chives for a nearly indestructible perennial herb that returns yearly, requires zero maintenance, and provides continuous mild onion flavor for garnishes. Choose green onions for fast results, strong onion flavor, versatile cooking use, and if you enjoy regrowing them from kitchen scraps. 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
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