Troubleshooting
Chives problems — and how to fix them
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Tired clump after years
Divide every 3-4 years to refresh.
Flowering reduces leaf flavour
Cut flowering stems back for more leaf.
Rust on leaves
Orange spots; cut back and improve air flow.
Self-seeding
Pretty pompom flowers; deadhead before seed sets to control.
Yellowing in pots
Pot-bound or under-fed.
Prevent chives problems before they start
Most chives issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Chives problems — FAQ
Why is my chives tired clump after years?
Divide every 3-4 years to refresh.
Why is my chives flowering reduces leaf flavour?
Cut flowering stems back for more leaf.
Why is my chives rust on leaves?
Orange spots; cut back and improve air flow.
Why is my chives self-seeding?
Pretty pompom flowers; deadhead before seed sets to control.
Why is my chives yellowing in pots?
Pot-bound or under-fed.