Herb – Garlic Chives – (Allium tuberosum)

Description

Garlic Chives, also know as Chinese Chives (Allium Tuberosum) are similar in habit to chives but the leaves are flatter and the flowers are white. It boasts a delicate flavour of garlic and onion which can be used in salads, soups, potato dishes or chopped with cheese or yoghurt.. Garlic chives have white flowers with flat solid leaves. The seed is black, faceted and pear shaped and contains a peppery taste. The plant has a distinctive growth habit with flat solid leaves unlike either onion or garlic, and straight thin white-flowering stalks that are much taller than the leaves. It grows in slowly expanding clumps, but also readily sprouts from seed. Besides its use as a vegetable, its very decorative from late August to September. Flowers can be cut and dried.

Perennial herb
Height: 50cm
Spread: 30cm
Pack size: 120 Seeds

Additional Details

When to Sow Garlic Chives
Spring

Sow Outside
In shallow drills with a light covering of soil, which needs to be rich and moist.  Soil should also be well drained, though the chives will tolerate a poorer soil.

Sow Inside
In spring/autumn direct into pot or container. Prefers full sun

What to do next
Thin plants to 9 inches apart, keep soil moist- especially in dry spells.  Divide and replant every four years.

Harvest
The leaves may be cut at any time but do not cut more than half the leaves from any one plant and no lower than 5cm above the soil.

Uses
The subtle garlic flavor of Garlic Chives are perfect for use in uncooked dishes where raw regular garlic might be too strong or too spicy.

Handy Tip
Remove flowers for a better taste. When cutting chives enrich the soil to encourage a fuller, healthier plant.