Growing Chinese Chives (Garlic Chives): Sowing, Planting & Harvesting Tips
Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are the perfect herb for those who like the taste of garlic without the strong smell. They do not leave a strong garlic smell in the mouth or on the fingers. In addition, this herb is extremely easy to grow not only in garden beds but also in a pot on the windowsill or in a balcony box. The plant is great for culinary use and also beautiful to look at, as it forms fine white flowers that are delicately fragrant throughout the summer.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about garlic chives, including their origin, how to plant and care for them, propagation, harvesting, and the use of garlic chives.
See more: How to Plant Onions? Find out growing onions from seeds and bulbs.
Garlic Chives (Chines Chives): Origin and History
Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum), are commonly known as Chinese chives or Oriental garlic. They are a delightful herb closely related to common chives (Allium schoenoprasum), leeks (Allium porrum), and onions (Allium cepa). You can certainly see the family resemblance in their grassy leaves and rounded flower tops. However, onion chives have purple flowers and round, hollow leaves. While garlic chives have dark green, flat, shiny leaves and brilliantly white flowers. The flavour profile of garlic chives offers a mild garlic-like taste with a hint of onion, making them a popular ingredient in various culinary uses.
This versatile herb has a rich history originating in southwestern China, where they have been cultivated for over 4,000 years. Native to China, they also grow in most parts of tropical Asia and are now highly appreciated and cultivated around the world.
How to Grow Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)
Growing chines chives is one of the easiest herbs that we can grow in the garden. They offer a wonderful, less pungent garlic flavor, and a range of culinary applications. They are evergreen in most gardens and are pretty enough to be mixed in amongst your flowers.
The cultivation process is very simple, whether you start from seeds or established plants. For starting chives from seed, sow chive seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last spring frost. Alternatively, you can also sow seeds directly in the garden after the frost has passed and the soil is workable. Plant 4-6 seeds about ¼ inch deep and space 6-9 inches apart. Consistent moisture is necessary for germination, which takes about 14-28 days.
If you do not want to start with your own seeds. Plant chives from rooted clumps or starter plants in the spring. Alternatively, you can purchase little chive plants from nurseries or garden centres near you. Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their containers and maintain the same 12-18 inch spacing.
If you live in a warmer area, you could plant chives in the fall as well. Ensure they have 6-8 weeks of establishment before the first expected frost.
FAQs
Q1. Who Got Garlic Chives in Los Angeles?
Answer: You can find garlic chives in Los Angeles at Asian markets, especially in areas like Chinatown or Koreatown. Also try farmers markets and speciality produce stores during the season. Nurseries might have plants or seeds round the year.
Try online retailers for seeds, but garlic chives are local. It would be best to call ahead of time to make sure they’re in stock.
