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About this seed
Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are a hardy perennial, grown in USDA zones 3–9, with flat leaves that taste mildly of garlic and white star-shaped flowers in late summer. Seedlings emerge in 7–14 days outdoors, slower in cold soil.
Also known as: Chinese chives, Chinese leek, Oriental garlic, Nira (Japanese), Kuchai (Malay), Gau choy (Cantonese), Jiu cai (Mandarin), Buchu.
What the plant becomes
A clump of leaves 25–50 cm tall, with flower stalks rising to 60–90 cm. The flowers are white with brown-striped petals and open in loose umbels. Leaves are used like chives in salads, eggs, soups and stir-fries, and the flowers are edible garnish.
Sowing
- Depth: about 6 mm (1/4 inch); sow lightly.
- Emergence: 7–14 days outdoors (approximate, planting guide, not a lab test); cold soil slows it.
- Site: full sun and well-drained soil.
Care and the self-seeding catch
The plant seeds itself readily. Cut the flower stalks after blooming if you do not want seedlings in the next season; they are easy to pull when young but can be numerous. Divide the clump about every three years to keep it vigorous.
FAQ
Is it the same as ordinary chives?
No. Common chives are Allium schoenoprasum. Garlic chives are a separate species with flat leaves, a garlic note and later, white flowers.
Will it come back every year?
Yes, in zones 3–9 it is perennial and also returns from self-sown seed.
