1 Plant individual chive plants in a 6- to 8-inch diameter pot, or plant multiple plants 6 inches apart in a larger pot. Use pots that have holes in the bottom to facilitate good drainage.
2 Use a light, well-draining potting mix. Plant chive seedlings the same depth in the container that they were in the nursery pot. Leave 1/2 inch between the lip of the pot and the soil line to allow room for watering and fertilizer.
3 Grow chives in a sunny spot where they will get at least six hours of direct sun per day.
4 Water chives after planting until water starts to drain through the holes in the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
5 Water the soil throughout the growing season when the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry out. A simple way to test the soil moisture is by inserting your finger into the soil near the edge of the pot.
6 Fertilize every two weeks from spring through late summer using a balanced, granular fertilizer like a 3-3-3 formula. Use 1 tablespoon. for a 6- to 8-inch diameter pot. For larger pots, between 10 and 12 inches, use 2 tablespoons. Sprinkle the fertilizer onto the soil at the base of the plant. Water after each fertilizer application to release the nutrients. Fertilizer applications vary by product; if the package label indicates a specific amount, follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
7 Discontinue fertilizing chives in the winter to allow the plants to rest.
8 Harvest chives when they grow 6 inches tall. Cut the green leaves 2 inches above the soil line using a sharp knife or small garden clippers. Harvest chives continually through the growing season every two to thee weeks by removing the top growth when it gets 6 inches tall.
9 Cut off the flower when it forms to encourage more foliage growth. Chive flowers are edible and have a mild, fresh flavor.