Garlic Chives

Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are a perennial herb celebrated for their flat, grass-like leaves and mild garlic flavour. These easy-to-grow plants thrive in Canadian gardens, producing edible leaves, stems, and delicate white flowers that attract pollinators. Garlic chives are perfect for culinary use in salads, stir-fries, dumplings, and as a garnish, making them a favourite among home cooks and gardeners.

Key Features of Garlic Chive Seeds

• Heirloom, open-pollinated seeds
• Hardy perennial in zones 3–9; grown as an annual in colder regions
• Produces flat, green leaves with a mild garlic taste
• Edible leaves, stems, and flowers—flowers are also attractive in bouquets
• Attracts bees and other pollinators
• Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant
• Adaptable to a wide range of Canadian climates and soil types
• Suitable for garden beds, borders, and containers

Planting and Growing Garlic Chives

• Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last spring frost or direct sow outdoors in spring
• Plant seeds 0.5 cm (¼ inch) deep; cover lightly with soil
• Space plants 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) apart for healthy growth
• Prefers full sun to partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Germination in 7–21 days; maturity in 60–90 days
• Garlic chives will self-sow and spread once established

Care Tips

• Water regularly until established; drought-tolerant once mature
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour
• Harvest leaves regularly for best flavour and continuous growth

Harvesting & Storing

• Harvest leaves as needed once plants are well established
• Use fresh in salads, stir-fries, and as a garnish; flowers can be used in bouquets or as edible decoration
• Store harvested leaves in a cool, dry place or freeze for long-term storage

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do garlic chives need full sun? They grow best in full sun but tolerate partial shade.
• When should I plant garlic chive seeds? Sow indoors before last frost or direct sow in spring.
• Can I grow garlic chives in containers? Yes—choose a sunny spot and use rich, well-drained soil.