Allium tuberosum (Garlic Chives / Chinese Chives): versatile perennial herb plant

Allium tuberosum, commonly known as Garlic Chives or Chinese Chives, is a perennial, hardy herb that combines the mild flavor of chives with a subtle hint of garlic. This culinary herb is ideal for both home cooks and professional chefs and can be harvested for years, making it a sustainable and tasty addition to any garden, balcony, or herb garden.

Leaves, flowers and flavor profile

Allium tuberosum produces long, narrow, flat leaves that are both crisp and aromatic. The green stems are perfectly edible and add a subtle garlic flavor to a wide variety of dishes. This combination of chives and garlic makes the herb versatile for various culinary uses:

• Salads: finely chopped as a fresh, aromatic seasoning

• Stir-fries: Add to Asian stir-fries for subtle garlic notes

• Soups and sauces: enhances the flavor without being overpowering

• Garnishes: use the white, star-shaped flowers as edible decoration

The white flowers, which appear in late summer, are star-shaped and completely edible, adding both visual and culinary value. They also attract bees and beneficial insects, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.

Growth, cultivation and care

Allium tuberosum grows to about 50 cm tall and is winter-hardy, meaning it can survive multiple seasons and be harvested regularly. This makes it an easy-care, sustainable choice for herb lovers.

Growing instructions:

• Sowing period: March to August

• Sowing method: direct sow outdoors, flat or in rows

• Row spacing: 20–25 cm, plants 5 cm apart in the row

• Harvest: regularly from April to October to stimulate new growth

The plant grows best in light, well-drained soil and in sun or partial shade. Regular harvesting keeps the leaves young and tender and increases the plant's productivity.

Applications in garden and landscape

Allium tuberosum (Garlic Chives) is not only a culinary highlight, but also an ornamental addition to the garden:

• Herb gardens: perfect in herb beds or as an edging plant in vegetable gardens

• Flowery borders: the white star flowers add a soft, elegant touch

• Pots and containers: ideal for balconies and terraces, easy to harvest

• Ecological value: attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

Its perennial, hardy nature makes Garlic Chives a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing and functional plant that thrives in both small urban gardens and large vegetable gardens.

Professional benefits

For gardeners, chefs and landscape designers, Allium tuberosum offers several benefits:

• Perennial and winter-hardy herb plant with long-term harvest potential

• Combination of chives and garlic for versatile culinary applications

• Decorative white flowers that are edible and attract pollinators

• Easy to grow and low maintenance

• Ideal for pot and container planting

• Productive and sustainable for both private and commercial cultivation

These properties make Garlic Chives an excellent choice for garden enthusiasts, chefs, and landscapers who want to integrate a functional, flavorful, and attractive herb plant into their garden, balcony, or professional herb garden.

In short: versatile culinary perennial

Allium tuberosum (Garlic Chives) combines long, flat leaves with a mild garlic flavor, decorative white flowers, and winter hardiness in one versatile plant. Key features:

• Perennial, hardy herb plant with a long harvest period

• Narrow, green leaves with chive and garlic flavour

• Star-shaped, edible white flowers

• Height: approx. 50 cm, suitable for borders, herb gardens and pots

• Easy to grow and maintain

• Attractive to bees and other pollinators

With its culinary value, hardiness, and ornamental flowers, Allium tuberosum is an ideal choice for garden enthusiasts, amateur chefs, and landscape professionals who want to combine taste, aesthetics, and sustainability in their outdoor space.