Garlic Chives are versatile and hardy perennial herbs that adds flavour, fragrance and beauty to any garden. The plant is easily recognisable by its flat, grass-like leaves, which grow in clumps and emit a mild garlic aroma when crushed. In late summer or early fall, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers on tall stalks, creating a delicate and ornamental display that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers are also edible, adding a mild, garlicky flavour to dishes.
Garlic Chives grow in compact clumps, typically reaching 12 to 18 inches in height, with flower stalks extending up to 24 inches. This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, making it well-suited for a variety of garden settings in the Caribbean. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil and requires moderate watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Over time, the plant will spread through both underground bulbs and self-seeding, making it a great option for borders, herb gardens or as a groundcover. Regular division of clumps every 2 to 3 years helps maintain vigour and prevents overcrowding.
Garlic Chives are prized for their culinary, medicinal and ecological benefits. The leaves, flowers and stalks are all edible, commonly used fresh or cooked to enhance soups, stir-fries, salads and garnishes with a mild garlic flavour. Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, they contribute to a healthy diet. Medicinally, Garlic Chives are traditionally used to aid digestion, boost immunity and support cardiovascular health. Additionally, the plant's flowers attract beneficial pollinators, while its strong aroma helps repel harmful insects, making it a valuable companion plant for pest control in vegetable gardens.
With their culinary versatility, health benefits and ornamental charm, Garlic Chives are a must-have for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, productive herb.
Common Name: Garlic Chives
Botanical Names:
- Allium Tuberosum
- Allium Angulosum
- Allium Argyi
- Allium Chinense
- Allium Clarkei
- Allium Roxburghii
- Allium Sulvia
- Allium Tricoccum
- Allium Tuberosum F. Yezoense
- Allium Uliginosum
- Allium Yesoense
- Nothoscordum Sulvia
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Other Names:
- Asian Chives
- Chinese Chives
- Chinese Leek
- Oriental Garlic
Origin: Eastern Asia
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Garlic Chives is a hardy and versatile perennial herb that thrives in warm climates, making it well-suited for Caribbean gardens. This clump-forming plant grows upright with flat, strap-like leaves that resemble blades of grass, typically reaching a height of 12 to 18 inches. In late summer to early fall, Garlic Chives produce tall, slender stems topped with clusters of star-shaped white flowers that rise above the foliage, adding an elegant and ornamental touch to the garden. The plant spreads gradually through its underground bulbs and self-seeding, forming dense, lush clusters over time. Garlic Chives prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and adapt well to a variety of growing conditions, requiring minimal care. This low-maintenance growth habit makes Garlic Chives a favourite among gardeners for use as a border plant, in herb gardens or even as a groundcover. Regular division of clumps every few years helps maintain vigour and prevents overcrowding, while periodic pruning encourages fresh growth and extends its usefulness for culinary and ornamental purposes.
Hardiness: Hardy
Chives, Garlic
Top Diameter: 4.875"
Height: 3.6875"
