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
Showing dates for Garlic Chives in USDA Zone 7
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Garlic Chives · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | — | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — | July – October |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | — | June – October |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | — | May – December |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | — | 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 in the refrigerator. Wrap clean, dry leaves loosely in damp paper towels, then place in perforated plastic bags in your crisper drawer. Avoid washing until ready to use, as excess moisture accelerates decay.
For longer preservation, freezing works exceptionally well – chop leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with water or oil for convenient single-serving portions. Alternatively, spread chopped chives on baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 8 months. Dehydrating is another excellent option: hang small bundles in a warm, dry area with good air circulation, or use a food dehydrator at 95°F until crispy. Store dried chives in airtight containers away from light for up to one year. The flowers can be frozen in ice cubes for drinks or dried for herbal teas.
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 improve tomato flavor while deterring hornworms
Carrots
Garlic chives improve carrot flavor and repel carrot flies with their strong scent
Roses
Natural pest deterrent that repels aphids and may reduce black spot disease
Peppers
Helps deter aphids and other soft-bodied insects while improving soil health
Brassicas
Repels cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other crucifer pests
Fruit Trees
Natural pesticide that deters aphids, scale insects, and borers around tree bases
Lettuce
Provides pest protection against aphids while taking up minimal garden space
Strawberries
Helps repel slugs and aphids while potentially improving berry flavor
Keep Apart
Beans
Garlic chives can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation capabilities
Peas
Allelopathic compounds may stunt pea growth and reduce pod production
Asparagus
Competition for nutrients and potential growth inhibition of asparagus spears
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #1104647)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Onion thrips, aphids, occasionally leaf miners
Diseases
Downy mildew in wet conditions, generally disease-free