BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Garlic chives
• Genus: Allium
• Species: tuberosum
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun
• Soil type: well-drained/light
• Height: 0.4m
• Spread: 0.15m
• Time to plant seeds: April to May

Garlic chives or Chinese chives, as these plants are sometimes called, are a close relative of ordinary chives, and are just as easily grown by the same cultivation methods. But the normal mild onion flavour is replaced by a pleasantly sweet garlic flavour, especially when the leaves are young, and regular harvest will ensure this. They are especially useful when garlic bulbs are out of season or unavailable, and may be kept going in pots over winter indoors to prolong supplies.