Holly's Homestead — Bulb & Allium
Garlic Chives
Allium tuberosum · Onion family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Perennial, direct sown or divided
MATURITY 85–95 days
TYPE Perennial, direct sown or divided
MATURITY 85–95 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Moderate
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
20–25cm
Depth
0.5cm
01Flat leaves, garlic flavour
Unlike common chives' hollow, round leaves, garlic chives have flat, strap-like leaves and a garlic flavour rather than onion. Snip rather than pull, and a clump keeps producing for years.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow in a clump, or plant divisions from an established patch.
Soil
Fertile, well-drained.
Timing
Sow or divide in spring; established clumps die back over winter and resprout.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Cut leaves to about 5cm above the ground rather than pulling the plant.
- Deadhead spent flowers promptly to stop it self-seeding around the garden.
- Divide clumps every 2–4 years to keep them vigorous.
- Keep soil evenly moist through the growing season.
04Problems
- Self-seeding — spreads readily from dropped seed; deadhead if this is not wanted.
- Onion thrips — silvery streaking; hose off.
- Rust — orange spotting; improve airflow.
- Overcrowding — a clump left too long produces thinner leaves; divide regularly.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Leaves 20–25cm tall, roughly 85–95 days after sowing for a first cut.
Method
Snip leaves 3–5cm above the base with scissors; regrows for repeated harvests.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge, a few days fresh; freezes well chopped for longer storage.
Preserving
See Freezing Produce (chopped and frozen) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CarrotTomatoLettuceAvoid nearby
BeansPeasRotation note
Perennial clump — left in place for years rather than rotated annually.
