HeirloomContainer OK

Garlic Chives

Allium tuberosum

Wide, flat leaves are attractive and easy to harvest. Mild garlic flavor. USDA Certified Organic.

Harvest

80-90d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

3–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-4 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Garlic Chives in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 allium →

Zone Map

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Garlic Chives · Zones 3–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing6-8 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, tolerates various soil types

pH6.0-7.0

WaterModerate, drought tolerant once established

SeasonPerennial

FlavorMild garlic flavor, more delicate than regular garlic

ColorDark green flat leaves, white flowers

SizeLeaves 12-18 inches long, 1/4 inch wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	July – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	July – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	July – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	June – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	June – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	May – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	April – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	April – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 4 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Type: Capsule.

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Leaves, bulbs and flowers are edible. However, the plant also has poisonous characteristics as noted in the "Poisonous to Humans" section of this record. Toxicity can depend on the age of the person or animal, the age of the plant, the part of the plant ingested, how much is ingested, whether the person or animal has sensitivities or allergies, whether it's eaten raw or cooked, and so forth. Consult with a medical professional for further details.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh garlic chives stay crisp for 7-10 days when stored properly. Wrap unwashed leaves in slightly damp paper towels and place in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. Wash just before using to prevent premature spoilage.

For drying, hang small bundles in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Properly dried leaves retain their mild garlic flavor for 6-8 months when stored in airtight containers.

Freezing works excellently—chop clean leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with a little water or oil. These flavor cubes drop perfectly into soups and stir-fries. Alternatively, flash-freeze chopped leaves on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 8 months.

Garlic chive flowers make excellent herb vinegars. Pack fresh blooms into clean jars and cover with white wine or rice vinegar for delicate, floral-garlic flavored vinegars ready in 2-3 weeks.

History & Origin

Origin: Himalaya to China

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Humidity, Insect Pests, Rabbits
+Attracts: Pollinators
+Wildlife value: Flowers attract pollinators

Considerations

-Toxic (Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Seeds, Stems): Low severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Garlic chives repel aphids and spider mites that commonly attack tomatoes

Carrots

Chives improve carrot flavor and repel carrot rust flies

Roses

Natural pest deterrent against aphids and may reduce black spot disease

Cabbage

Repels cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests

Lettuce

Provides natural slug and aphid protection without competing for nutrients

Strawberries

Deters slugs and ants while improving berry flavor

Peppers

Repels aphids and may help deter pepper maggots

Fruit Trees

Acts as living mulch and deters boring insects at tree base

Keep Apart

Beans

Alliums can inhibit nitrogen fixation in legumes and stunt growth

Peas

Sulfur compounds interfere with beneficial rhizobia bacteria needed for nitrogen fixation

Sage

Both are strong-scented herbs that can compete and reduce each other's essential oil production

Nutrition Facts

Calories

143kcal(7%)

Protein

6.62g(13%)

Fiber

2.7g(10%)

Carbs

28.2g(10%)

Fat

0.38g(0%)

Vitamin C

10mg(11%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #1104647)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally disease-free, very hardy

Common Pests

Aphids, thrips (rarely problematic)

Diseases

Root rot in poorly drained soil

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do garlic chives take to grow from seed?▼

Garlic chives typically take 60-90 days from seed to first harvest, with germination occurring in 10-21 days. Indoor-started seedlings can be harvested about 30 days after transplanting. Once established, they provide continuous harvests throughout the growing season with regular cutting every 2-3 weeks.

Can you grow garlic chives in containers?▼

Yes, garlic chives excel in containers at least 8-10 inches deep with good drainage holes. Use quality potting mix and place containers where they receive 4+ hours of sunlight daily. Container plants need more frequent watering and feeding than ground-planted ones. Divide and repot every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding.

What's the difference between garlic chives and regular chives?▼

Garlic chives have flat, grass-like leaves with mild garlic flavor and white flowers, while regular chives have hollow, tubular leaves with onion flavor and purple flowers. Garlic chives are more cold-hardy, self-seed readily, and stay productive longer in the season. Both are perennial, but garlic chives tend to be more vigorous spreaders.

Are garlic chives good for beginner gardeners?▼

Absolutely! Garlic chives are among the easiest herbs to grow successfully. They tolerate various soil conditions, require minimal fertilizing, rarely have pest problems, and bounce back quickly from harvesting mistakes. Their forgiving nature and reliable production make them perfect for new gardeners building confidence.

When should I plant garlic chives?▼

Plant garlic chive seeds in spring after the last frost date, or start indoors 6-8 weeks earlier for transplanting. You can also divide and transplant established clumps in early spring or fall. In mild winter areas (zones 8-10), fall planting works well for winter and spring harvests.

Do garlic chives come back every year?▼

Yes, garlic chives are hardy perennials that return reliably each spring in zones 3-9. They often self-seed, creating new plants naturally. Cut back dead foliage in late fall, and new growth emerges in spring. Established clumps become more productive each year and can last decades with minimal care.