---
title: "How to water Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)"
description: "Keep your Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) healthy and thriving. Learn how to check soil moisture, choose between top watering, bottom watering, or a water bath, and ensure proper drainage."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/alliumschoenoprasum"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:41.427Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:02:15.946Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/EBet3Jh6Scy_aJ2EYpAwBg.webp?size=large"
---

# How to water Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

## How to water

Feel the soil; it should be a bit moist but not wet when watering it again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers, if water seeps out it's still wet.

**If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.**

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/EBet3Jh6Scy_aJ2EYpAwBg.webp?size=large)

## Water over the soil

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

> Chives + water = true! But even if it loves water it still needs drainage, so make sure that the pot has holes and that the soil drains properly.  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/p8EsnAZvS9Cp871P-DQvhA.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

### Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## Water bath

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put the plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

## Domande frequenti

### When should I water my Chives plant?

You should water your Chives when the soil feels moist but not wet. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers; if water seeps out, it is still too wet.

### How do I avoid overwatering my Chives?

Always check the soil moisture before watering; if water seeps out when you squeeze the soil, it's still wet. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and never let your Chives plant sit in collected water after watering.

### Can I bottom water my Chives?

Yes, you can bottom water your Chives by filling a plant tray with water and allowing the soil to absorb it. Wait for about 10 minutes, and if the soil is still dry, add more water and wait another 20 minutes before removing the excess.

### Should I only bottom water my Chives?

No, bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil. Make sure to also water your Chives over the soil every now and then to prevent mineral buildup.

### What is a water bath for Chives?

A water bath involves lowering the entire pot into a bucket of lukewarm water, stopping where the stem begins. Keep it submerged until the air bubbles stop, then lift it out and let the excess water drain off completely.

### Do Chives need good drainage?

Yes, even though Chives love water, they still require good drainage. Make sure your pot has drainage holes and that the soil drains properly to prevent waterlogging.

## How to water Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

1. Pour water over the soil, using a watering can or by placing the plant directly under a tap.
2. Continue adding water until it starts to run out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
3. If you have a tray under the pot, make sure to remove all collected water afterwards, as your plant should never sit in water.
4. If you watered under a tap, ensure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before moving the plant back.

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