Chives are a popular culinary herb grown under irrigation in Zimbabwe. They have a quick turnaround cycle and consistent demand from restaurants and supermarkets.
60
Days to Maturity
5–10 tonnes/ha
Typical Yield
Moderate
Water Need
Low
Drought Tolerance
Optimal Soil Types
pH Range: 6 – 7
Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with high organic matter. Responds well to compost additions and consistent moisture.
Fertilizer: Compost or Vermicompost 2t/ha at planting. Light liquid feed every 3–4 weeks. Avoid excess nitrogen which dilutes flavour.
Optimal Temp: 15–25°C
Rainfall: 300–800mm/year
Climate Zones
Regular, consistent moisture required. Drip or hand-watering every 2–3 days. Avoid waterlogging.
22°C
overcast clouds
Harare
24%
Humidity
17
km/h Wind
22–22°C
Min / Max Today
5-Day Forecast
Fri
23°
23°
Sat
31°
16°
Sun
32°
17°
Mon
33°
19°
Tue
34°
20°
Chives optimal climate: Temp: 15–25°C°C · Rainfall: 300–800mm/yr
Planting Months
Harvesting Months
Planting Depth: 1–2 cm
Spacing: 20cm × 10cm or broadcast in beds
Material: Seeds or clump divisions
Provinces
Natural Regions
Symptoms: Silvery streaking on leaves
Management: Spinosad spray; blue sticky traps
Symptoms: Wilting, maggots in bulb base
Management: Soil insecticide at planting; crop rotation
Symptoms: Pale patches on leaves, grey mould
Management: Metalaxyl spray; avoid overhead irrigation; good drainage
Symptoms: Orange-brown pustules on leaves
Management: Triazole fungicide; remove infected material
Governed Product Guidance
Crop-specific product selection, application rates, mixing, timing and treatment guidance for Chives are available only through ZEF's governed production-agronomy workflow after country readiness and product/regulatory approval.
Fresh herb for restaurants and retail, dried herb export, garnish, culinary use
Export Potential:
Cultivation Guide
Step-by-step guide tailored to Chives in Zimbabwe
Related Crops
Crops suited to similar climate zones or soil types as Chives
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Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Lettuce
Lactuca sativa
Soursop
Annona muricata
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Potatoes
Solanum tuberosum
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