Information on insects and disease of basil is limited. Japanese beetle and powdery mildew have been reported to attack basil. For weed control, high populations of basil coupled with mechanical cultivation is highly recommended. Chives Chives, Allium schoenoprasum , is a perennial, native to the Orient. It was first used by the Chinese and then the ancient Greeks.
Fresh leaves are excellent for making herbal vinegars and butter.
It is also used in salads, soup, and cheese. Chives are also used to add a mild onion flavor to fish, salads, steamed vegetables, soups, and omelettes. Germination will occur in 2 to 3 weeks. Transplant seedlings to the field when they are 4 weeks old. Chives reach a height of 18 inches, a width of 1 to 2 inches the first year from seed, and 10 to 14 inches in subsequent years.