Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Parsley vs Chives for Container Gardens: Best Garnish Herb to Grow
Comparing parsley and chives for container herb growing. Learn which is easier to maintain, more versatile, and better for beginner balcony gardens.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🌿Parsley | 🧅Chives | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | easy | Chives |
| Days to Harvest | 70 days | 60 days | Tie |
| Container Size | 6 inch pot | 6 inch pot | Tie |
| Sunlight | partial sun | full sun | - |
| Water Needs | moderate | moderate | - |
| Yield | Higher | Lower | Parsley |
| Beginner-Friendly | Moderate | ⭐ Yes | Chives |
Key Differences
Growing Cycle
Biennial. Produces leaves first year, flowers and dies second year. Treat as annual.
Perennial. Returns for 5-10+ years. Dies back in winter, regrows in spring. Divide every 3-4 years.
Germination Speed
Slow germination (14-21 days). Notoriously slow to start. Soak seeds overnight to speed up.
Moderate germination (10-14 days). But once established, returns yearly without replanting.
Maintenance Level
Low-moderate. Regular harvesting encourages growth. May need replanting yearly.
Extremely low. Nearly indestructible. Occasional dividing. Returns yearly with zero effort.
Flavor Profile
Fresh, bright, slightly peppery. Universal garnish. Flat-leaf for cooking, curly for garnish.
Mild onion-garlic flavor. Delicate. Best as finishing herb. Never overpowers dishes.
Bonus Features
Attracts beneficial swallowtail butterflies. Caterpillars are beneficial. No flowers typically.
Produces beautiful purple pom-pom flowers in spring. Flowers are edible with mild onion flavor.
Culinary Versatility
Extremely versatile. Works in almost every cuisine. French, Italian, Middle Eastern, American.
Good versatility. Best for finishing dishes. Baked potatoes, eggs, cream cheese, soups.
Best for Parsley
Choose Parsley if:
- You want versatile culinary garnish
- You prefer fresh, bright green flavor
- You use herbs in Mediterranean cooking
- You want flat-leaf and curly varieties
- You need a universal finishing herb
Best for Chives
Choose Chives if:
- You want a perennial (returns yearly)
- You prefer onion-flavored garnish
- You want beautiful edible flowers
- You need extremely low-maintenance herbs
- You want nearly indestructible plants
Can They Grow Together?
Yes, they can grow together!
Parsley and chives grow beautifully together in containers. Both tolerate similar conditions and complement each other visually. Chives help deter aphids that sometimes attack parsley. Plant in 8+ inch wide containers with good drainage.
The Bottom Line
Parsley
Choose parsley for a versatile garnish herb that works in nearly every cuisine, provides abundant leaves, and adds fresh flavor to any dish.
Chives
Choose chives for a nearly indestructible perennial that returns yearly, requires zero maintenance, and provides both edible leaves and beautiful purple flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Parsley or Chives?
Chives is generally easier to grow in containers. It requires less maintenance and is more forgiving of mistakes.
Which grows faster: Parsley or Chives?
Both Parsley and Chives have similar maturity timelines, reaching harvest around the same time.
Can I grow Parsley and Chives together?
Yes! Parsley and chives grow beautifully together in containers. Both tolerate similar conditions and complement each other visually. Chives help deter aphids that sometimes attack parsley. Plant in 8+ inch wide containers with good drainage.
Which needs less space: Parsley or Chives?
Both Parsley and Chives have similar space requirements and work well in small containers.
Which produces more: Parsley or Chives?
Parsley typically produces more harvest per plant over the growing season, making it better for maximum yield in limited space.
Which is better for beginners: Parsley or Chives?
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 Parsley and Chives?
The key differences include: growing cycle, germination speed, maintenance level. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Parsley or Chives for my balcony?
Choose parsley for a versatile garnish herb that works in nearly every cuisine, provides abundant leaves, and adds fresh flavor to any dish. Choose chives for a nearly indestructible perennial that returns yearly, requires zero maintenance, and provides both edible leaves and beautiful purple flowers. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
Related Plant Guides
Complete Parsley Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Parsley in containers.
Complete Chives Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Chives in containers.
Browse All Plants
Explore our complete database of container-friendly plants.
More Comparisons
Compare other popular container plants side-by-side.
Plan Your Perfect Container Garden
Use our AI-powered garden planner to create a custom container garden plan with Parsley, Chives, or both, optimized for your specific space, climate, and experience level.
Try AI Garden Planner