If you’re a fan of garlic and ramps, you’ve got to try growing Garlic Chives (*Allium tuberosum*). Often called Chinese Chives, these beauties are a staple in Asian cuisine, and they’re finally starting to get the love they deserve in American gardens!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Chives
The flavor is exactly what you’d expect: a perfect blend of classic garlic and mild onion, very similar to ramps but a bit more delicate. The best part? You get all that delicious garlic flavor without the “garlic breath” the next day—which is a huge win in my book! Even the flowers are edible and have a lovely, slightly sweet note that makes them a hit in salads. Plus, in its native Asia, this perennial has been used for its medicinal properties for ages.
Finding the Perfect Sunny Spot
These plants grow in clumps and can reach about 20 inches tall. Because they like to spread out, make sure to space them about 8 to 12 inches apart. Garlic chives thrive in full sun to partial shade and love soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining. They like to stay hydrated, so keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater—nobody likes soggy roots! Since they’re super low-maintenance, your main job is just making sure they get a regular drink of water.
Harvest Season: From Spring to Frost
In most gardens, you can start harvesting your garlic chives as early as March. If they’re planted outdoors, you can keep picking them well into late summer. Want a year-round supply? Just grow a pot on a sunny windowsill! Around August, the plant produces beautiful white flowers that are just as tasty as the leaves.
Garlic chives are incredibly hardy and will come back year after year in the garden, but they’re just as happy living in a container on your porch or kitchen counter.
Quick Tip for Harvesting
When you’re ready to use some, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the leaves just above the ground. Always leave an inch or two of growth so the plant can quickly recharge and grow back for your next meal!
Starting from Seed
You can easily find garlic chive seeds at your local garden center or online. If you want a head start, sow them indoors in seed trays starting in February. Plant the seeds about half an inch deep, and you should see little green sprouts popping up in about three weeks.
Propagating by Division
Since garlic chives are perennials that grow in clumps, they actually benefit from being divided every few years—it gives them a little boost of energy! The best time to do this is in the spring. Just dig up a mature clump, gently split the root ball in half, and replant the new section in a different spot in your garden. It’s the easiest way to get free plants!
