(Allium schoenoprasum)    A relative of onions and leeks, and similar in flavor but grown mostly for its tender, hollow stems. Most often used on baked potatoes, but unlimited in potential.  Try making your own herbed butter, or using them to top pasta or fish.  The delicate flowers are edible too and can be infused into vinegar, rendering it a lovely pink color.  Plants require some patience during the first year, but will bear for many years once established. Perennial in zones 3-9.  250 seeds/pkt.

CULTURE: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds 1/4" deep in pre-moistened seed starting mix. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-14 days.  Set transplants outdoors anytime in mid-spring through early summer. Plants should be spaced 1ft in all directions. Chives prefer full sun, but will tolerate some shade.