Allium tuberosum or Garlic Chives is a perennial herb from the onion family member which can be grown for both cooking and ornamental purposes. The plant boasts chive-like leaves that stretch to 30 cm high and produces tiny, star-shaped white flowers from summer into early autumn. Used extensively in Chinese cooking, all parts of the plant smell like onion when either cut or crushed.
Allium tuberosum has a range of medicinal properties, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is great at attracting beneficial insects. They also make great companion plants for a variety of vegetables.
Garlic chives share many of the same characteristics as their more famous cousin, Chives or Allium schoenoprasum. However, their flowers are different colours (white and purple) and they bloom at a slightly different stages of the season.
Growth
Garlic Chives are a perennial herb and grow to a short 30 cm tall and can be grown in pots or directly into the garden. Seeds germinate once temperatures surpass 15°C and can be transplanted easily if started indoors during the winter. Flowers appear in late summer and bloom until mid-Autumn before seeding prior to the start of winter.
Dead heading the flowers prior to seeding is recommended in their first season. In subsequent seasons, Allium tuberosum can be divided and will transplant easily year-round if there isn’t any frost. Germination takes around 7-14 days, and the leaves can start being harvested in around 6 weeks.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Amaryllidaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
7 to 32°C / 45 to 90°F
SOIL TYPE:
Chives can grow in a wide range of soils but prefers a well-drained mix with good nutrients.
LOCATION:
Full Sun. Do not do well when planted in the shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 cm’s (1 feet) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 20 cm’s (8 inches)
pH:
6.0-6.8 but can tolerate 5.2 to 8.3.
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Allium tuberosum is hermaphrodite which means it has both male and female organs. Pollinated by bees and other garden insects.
MATURITY:
Leaves can be harvested when green at any time from 6 weeks old. Recommend waiting until the second growing season before harvesting to allow the plant to fully establish.
GERMINATION RATES:
N/A
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 15-20°C / 60-70°F.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Does have invasive tendencies if left to seed in the autumn.
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 1-2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ALLIUM TUBEROSUM (Garlic Chives)
Allium tuberosum is also known as Oriental Garlic, Asian Chives, Chinese Chives or Chinese Leek and is native to the Chinese province of Shanxi.
Garlic Chives are an anti-emetic herb that helps improve kidney function.
The seeds of Allium tuberosum are also used to produce an edible essential oil while the flowers are used as ornamentals.
