HERB ‘Garlic Chives’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Allium tuberosum
- Also known as Chinese chives or kau tsoi.
- Perennial herb with flat, garlic-flavoured leaves and edible white flowers.
- Easy to grow in garden beds, borders, or containers.
- Attractive flowering herb that also repels garden pests.
What Are Garlic Chives?
Garlic chives form dense clumps of flat, strap-like green leaves, typically growing to 25 cm tall. The plants produce star-shaped white flowers in summer, attracting bees and beneficial insects. Unlike onion chives, the leaves are flat and have a mild garlic aroma.
Culinary Uses
The leaves and flowers are edible and have a mild garlic flavour, perfect for adding to omelettes, stir-fries, soups, marinades, and dumpling fillings. Use fresh or cooked—add toward the end of cooking to retain flavour and tenderness. The unopened flower buds can be used as garnish or in Asian dishes.
Ornamental & Companion Uses
Garlic chives make a striking edging plant and pair well with other herbs in cottage or vegetable gardens. Their strong scent can help deter aphids, carrot flies, and other pests.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Plant Height: 25 cm
Sowing Information
- Germination: 10–14 days at 18–22°C
- Depth: Sow 1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun or part shade
- Sow Where: Direct sow or transplant seedlings
- Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Spacing: 20 cm apart
Growing Tips
- Divide clumps every 2 years to maintain vigour.
- Cut flower stalks to prolong leaf harvest and reduce self-seeding.
- Can be grown in large pots; water regularly during dry periods.
Harvest
Begin harvesting 8–10 weeks after sowing by snipping outer leaves. Harvest regularly to encourage fresh growth. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Click here to learn more about growing Garlic Chives.
When to Sow Garlic Chives in New Zealand
| NZ Region | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | August – April | Sow direct or in trays. Provide light afternoon shade in midsummer. |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | September – March | Ideal for spring planting. Protect young seedlings from late frost. |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | September – February | Start indoors for early crops. Sow outdoors in spring. |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | October – December | Wait until danger of frost has passed. Mulch to conserve moisture. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 10–14 days |
| Sowing Depth | 1 cm |
| Watering | Moderate. Keep moist during dry spells |
| Plant Height | 25 cm |
| Soil Type | Fertile, well-drained soil |
| Spacing | 20 cm |
| Sunlight | Full sun to part shade |
| Harvest Period | 8–10 weeks from sowing |
