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Allium tuberosum (garlic chives). Tim Sandall

What are garlic chives?

Tamsin Hope Thomson

Published: Friday, 25 October 2024 at 12:47 pm

Learn about garlic chives, in our Grow Guide.

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Plant Size:

Height: 50

Spread: 20

What are garlic chives?

Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are also known as Chinese chives or oriental garlic, and are not to be confused with chives (Allium schoenoprasum). Garlic chives are a perennial herb, very similar to chives, but with a mild garlic flavour instead of onion, and white flowers instead of purple. They are native to China, where the leaves are a common ingredient in dishes such as stir fries, dumplings and egg dishes.

Garlic chives grow best in moist soil, in full sun, with a south or west-facing aspect. They flower later than chives (Allium schoenoprasum), producing pretty, star shaped white flowers in July and August which are attractive to pollinators. The flowers are also edible.

Allium tuberosum is toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

Are chives and garlic chives the same thing?

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are both perennial herbs belonging to the onion (allium) family. They're used in the same way, to add flavour to a wide variety of dishes. They also look similar, but there are a few differences. A garlic chive plant is bigger than a normal chive plant, reaching up to 50cm tall with wider, flatter leaves. Chives have narrow, hollow leaves and grow up to 30cm tall. They have a mild onion taste, rather than a garlic flavour.

How to grow garlic chives

Planting garlic chives. Tim Sandall

The easiest way to grow garlic chives is to buy a plant, but you can also grow them from seed. Sow garlic chives direct from April to August into a narrow drill or into a container. Alternatively, sow under cover from February and plant out seedlings from May, around 10cm apart. Water regularly, especially during hot weather. Harvest chives by cutting near the base with scissors. This will encourage new leaves to grow.

How to store garlic chives

Garlic chives can be stored in the same way as chives. They should keep for around three days in the fridge. Place them in a plastic bag or box to keep them fresh for longer. Chives can also be frozen – either chop them up and add to an ice cube tray, before topping up with water, or freeze the leaves on a baking tray, then transfer to a container or freezer bag.

What do garlic chives taste like?

Garlic chives have a much less intense garlicky flavour than a garlic clove. This makes them a useful ingredient in salads, dips or as a garnish for soups, as they don't overwhelm the dish. Chop chives with scissors rather than a knife. Try them in potato and fish recipes, in omelettes, savoury pancakes, pad thai or stir fries. Add garlic chives to a dish at the end of cooking for the best flavour or use them as a garnish, sprinkling over just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

Do garlic chives come back?

Garlic chives are a bulbous perennial. They will die down over winter but return in spring, producing new growth once the weather warms up.

Can you eat raw garlic chives?

Yes, garlic chives can be eaten raw and make a delicious garnish. They can also be cooked in dishes such as stir fries or soups. They are usually added at the end of the cooking process to get the best flavour from them. If they are cooked for too long, the flavour fades.

Advice on buying garlic chives

It's easy to find garlic chive seed and plants online to grow it yourself
Not all supermarkets stock it as an ingredient, but it can be found in some of the larger ones, as well as Chinese supermarkets online

Where to buy garlic chives

Seed

Plant

Crocus

Varieties of garlic chive to grow

Siberian garlic chives, Allium nutans – mild garlic flavour and blue to purple flowers. H x S: 60cm x 30cm

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