Chives do not produce a bulb of any significant size but their attributes are the production of mild flavoured leaves which can be clipped on a regular basis for use as a garnish. They are an excellent addition to the ornamental garden due to their production of attractive purple flowers in early summer. All of the onions have shallow, fibrous root systems so they should be mulched and watered regularly. Weed invasion and drought will produce smaller onions with an unpleasantly hot flavour. Cultivation should be shallow and frequent to prevent competition from weeds and to avoid disturbing the onion roots.
Onions prefer a loose soil which is high in organic matter.
Heavy clay or rocks will impede bulb development and reduce the size of the crop. Onions and shallots are ready to be harvested when the tops fall over naturally and turn brown. Leaf production occurs from the inside of the stems which keeps the stalks upright. When leaf production stops, the stalks become hollow and they can no longer support themselves. They naturally turn brown after one or two weeks.