Chives are popular herbs related to onions and garlic, earning Kenyan farmers millions in returns.
The herb which is gaining popularity in the country is believed to have originated from Siberia, with its scientific name being Allium Schoenoprasum.
Chives are easy-to-manage hardy plants which grow up to 10-12 inches tall. They produce hollow leaves that are much finer than onions.
According to Farm Biz Africa, a kilo of chives costs around Ksh620 (5.25 euros) in the international market.
They take up to 45 days to mature, allowing farmers to start harvesting the herb and preparing it to be sent to the market.
Most agricultural officers argue that the crop can earn farmers millions within the first two planting and harvesting seasons under proper care.
Health Benefits
Studies show that chives have preventive effects on cancer due to the presence of organosulfur compounds, which inhibit tumour growth and mutagenesis and also prevent free radical formation.
It is also believed to induce sleep and helps in reducing depression.
Chives contain quercetin, reducing the risk of plaque buildup in arteries, thus improving heart health.
According to agricultural export data, chives fetched Ksh61 million between January and July 2021.
Climatic Conditions
This popular herb thrives under full sunshine and optimum growth temperatures of 16-21 degrees Celsius.
Chives are propagated by dividing the clumps and planting the same. They can also be grown from seeds sown in spring, which are always slow in growth.
Plant spacing is always about 20 cm apart, and the harvesting period is 90 days after planting, which is done in phases after the first 45 days.
Harvesting is done by cutting the leaves half inches above the soil line to leave enough leaves for the next sprout.
Soil and environmental requirements
The popular herb prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6-7. They thrive in medium loam soils. Black cotton and other types of clay soils need good drainage as well as adequate manure to improve their quality.
Propagation and Planting
Chives can be grown from seeds and then left to germinate at a temperature of 15 to 20°C under moist conditions. They can also be planted on polythene papers or even indoors.
Farmers are also expected to till the land to a fine texture, allowing the crop to mature. Adequate nitrogen is crucial for the proper growth of chives.
Weeding is done regularly through cultivation, with daily inspection recommended tackling insects. To receive a bulk harvest, it also advised consulting with agricultural experts who help spot diseases and guide on proper management plans.
Harvesting
Harvesting starts six to eight weeks from the planting date.
"Always harvest early in the morning to prevent the subjection of plants to heat stress. The leaves should be crisp, clean and relatively free from discolouration. Remove all diseased, pest infected or damaged and yellow leaves before harvesting the healthy ones," Evans Nthiga, agribusiness consultant, stated.
"Chives are best harvested when their leaves reach 6 inches. To harvest, use scissors to simply cut the leaves, leaving 2 inches of plant material," he added.
