Edible Flowers and Leaves of Garlic Chives
Excellent Garden Specimen Adds Subtle Flavor to Foods
Sep 7, 2009
Native to Asia, garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) have been cultivated in gardens since the Middle Ages. Grown extensively for culinary purposes in China, they are sometimes named Chinese Leeks, but are not true leeks.
Fragrant Flowers and Grass-Like Leaves
This clump-forming plant grows to about twenty-four inches with the flower heads. Its wonderful form and stature is a great addition to the garden landscape.
The elegant, fragrant white flowers appear during late summer. Each small, star-shaped floret has a brown speck on the petals. The blossoms form loose clusters atop leafless stems that rise above the foliage. Dried flowers are excellent in winter arrangements
They are unlike the regular chives (Allium schoenoprasum) which have tubular leaves. Garlic chives have long, flat, grass-like blades that develop dense masses at the plant’s base.
Garden Habitat for Garlic Chives
Garlic chives grow best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade. They thrive in well-drained soil that contains organic (composted) matter. They do not need extra watering, except at the seedling stage.
Similar to the common bearded iris, garlic chives spread by underground stems (rhizomes). Some types will develop small, edible bulbs, but most do not.
Propagation by Division or Seeds
Propagation by division is the most common method in spring or fall. Lift the plant out and divide it every three or four years to prevent prevent dying out of the centre.
If the flower stalks are left on the plant, seedlings will quickly appear. To prevent invasive growth, cut away the stalks as the blossoms fade. Seedlings that appear can be easily removed and transplanted.
Garlic chives can be started indoors. Plant seeds (one-eighth inch depth) about eight weeks before the last frost date. Set the planter in a dark place, or cover it, until germination occurs in about seven to ten days. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. When the garden soil is warm, plant several seedlings together to quickly establish a clump. Space the plantings at least twelve inches apart. To allow development of a good root system, do not pick the leaves during the first year.
Unlike regular chives, these tend to go dormant during winter. Though not recommended in some sources, they may grow well in indoor pots during winter.
Flowers and Leaves are Edible
Rich in vitamin C, garlic chives have high content of carotene, thiamine, and riboflavin as well as calcium and iron.
Leaves that are at least six inches long can be picked any time. Use them in the same manner as regular chives. The subtle garlic/onion flavor will enhance any dish whether fresh or cooked.
To use garlic chives, cut finely and mix into salad or sprinkle on cooked vegetables. They’re wonderful when served as garnish on baked potatoes. For cooked dishes, add the garlic chives just prior to serving to prevent loss of flavor.
Hardy in zones three to nine, garlic chives are attractive to bees, and generally pest free.
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