Garlic Chives, Allium tuberosum

This perennial plant is closely related to onion, garlic, shallots, and leeks, characterized by its delicate white flowers and flat, narrow leaves that boast a gentle garlic flavor, as opposed to the traditional onion-like taste of common chives.

Historical and Interesting Information

• Origin: Garlic Chives have been cultivated in China for over 4,000 years, not only as a culinary herb but also for their medicinal properties.
• Cultural Significance: They are an integral part of Asian cuisine, used in dishes for their flavor and health benefits. In Japan, they are known as nira and are often used in miso soups and stir-fries.
• Traditional Medicine: Historically, Garlic Chives were used in traditional Chinese medicine to address a variety of ailments, from fatigue and anemia to digestive issues.

Fun Facts

• Garlic Chives are rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
• They continue to grow after cutting, making them a sustainable herb option for continuous harvesting.
• Unlike regular chives, Garlic Chives bloom in late summer, offering a late-season nectar source for pollinators.

Germination and Growth

Materials Needed:

• Garlic Chive seeds
• Seed starting mix
• Pots or a seed tray
• Watering can or spray bottle
• Plastic wrap or a plastic dome

Steps to Germinate and Grow:

1. Preparation: Fill your pots or seed tray with a moist seed starting mix.
2. Sowing: Plant the Garlic Chive seeds ¼ inch deep in the soil. Space them about 1 inch apart if using a tray.
3. Moisture: Gently water the seeds using a spray bottle to avoid displacing them. Cover the pots or tray with plastic wrap or a dome to retain moisture.
4. Temperature: Place the setup in a warm location. Garlic Chive seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
5. Light: Once sprouts appear, remove the cover and move the seedlings to a sunny spot or under grow lights.
6. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases.
7. Transplanting: When seedlings are a few inches tall and have developed true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final growing location, maintaining a spacing of 6-12 inches apart.

Special Treatments: Garlic Chive seeds do not require any special pretreatment for germination, but soaking the seeds overnight in warm water can enhance germination rates.

Harvesting Garlic Chives

• Begin harvesting when the plants are at least 6 inches tall by cutting the leaves with scissors, leaving at least 2 inches of growth so the plant can continue to grow.
• For continuous supply, harvest regularly by cutting the outer leaves, allowing the inner shoots to mature.
• The flowers are edible and can be harvested once they’ve fully bloomed.

Uses of Garlic Chives

Culinary Uses:

• Leaves and flowers are used to add flavor to salads, soups, dumplings, and stir-fries.
• They are a common garnish in many Asian dishes.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits:

• Digestive Health: Garlic Chives are believed to aid in digestion and have mild laxative effects.
• Cardiovascular Benefits: The allicin present in Garlic Chives may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to heart health.
• Immune Support: High in Vitamin C, they can help boost the immune system.
• Antioxidant Properties: Garlic Chives contain antioxidants that fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

***This information is not intended to be used as a diagnosis.  Caution should be exercised when considering any medicinal use, and it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.