Chive garlic, often referred to as Allium tuberosum or Chinese chives, belongs to the allium family, just like chives, garlic or onions. In terms of botany and appearance, it is quite similar to conventional chives (Allium schoenoprasum), but in contrast to this, it has a distinct garlic flavor. The leaves also grow up to 80 centimeters higher and are also wider.
How do I care for garlic chives in the garden?
Cut garlic, also known as Allium tuberosum or Chinese chives, is a garlic-flavored perennial allium plant. It requires loose, nutrient-rich and moist soil as well as a sunny to partially shaded location. The harvest takes place from June to October.
Location and substrate
Cut garlic needs loose and nutrient-rich soil, which should also be rather moist. You can loosen up loamy soil with humus and sand, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. Otherwise it feels very comfortable in a sunny to partially shaded spot - only full sun and shade should be avoided.
Watering and fertilizing
Keep the plant moist at all times, but avoid waterlogging. Specimens planted in the garden should be watered regularly, especially during dry summer periods. For fertilization, we recommend an organic vegetable fertilizer that can be added to the irrigation water every four weeks. In spring, provide the plant with additional ripe compost. However, there is no fertilization in winter.
Harvesting and wintering
Cut garlic is a perennial plant whose above-ground parts die off completely in the cold season. However, it sprouts again quickly the following spring. If you want to harvest all year round, you should cultivate the chives in a pot and overwinter in a bright place at around 12 to 18 °C. Planted chives can be harvested from June to October. Cut the stalks a few centimeters above the ground and, if possible, do not harvest the entire plant. As with chives, the flowers and buds can also be used in the kitchen.
Good neighbors / bad neighbors
Similar to chives, chives go very well with cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, carrots and nasturtiums. However, a mixed culture with other leeks (especially leeks) as well as brassicas, beans and peas should be avoided.
Tips & Tricks
Chive garlic is also easiest to propagate by division. For the purpose of rejuvenation, this measure should be carried out approximately every three years. Division takes place either in early spring or late autumn.
