Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum)

Garlic chives

Also known as: Wild Leek, Oriental garlic, Chinese leek

The garlic chives is a plant that is grown for multiple uses. It can be cultivated as an ornamental, or harvested to season food, either dried or fresh. When used in cooking, many recipes substitute garlic chives for garlic and even onion to give added flavor to the dish.

Scientific classification

Species

Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Spring, Mid summer, Late summer, Fall

Harvest Time

40 cm

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Green, White

Stem Color

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Garlic chives

Distribution of Garlic chives

Distribution Map

The garlic chives is native to China and India. However, it was introduced to some countries in Southeast Asia and Europe. The plant grows in evergreen climates and the garlic chives is commonly kept as an ornamental plant but naturally occurs alongside fields and gardens.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Gardens

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Garlic chives is a popular plant in perennial gardens prized for its showy white blooms. It is used as an ornamental plant, and essential in bulb and herb gardens. Plant garlic chives with celery, peas, and lettuce to deter garden pests.

Symbolism

Protection, Healing, Exorcism

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Toxicity

Garlic chives is a toxic plant that endangers both cats and dogs if ingested. All parts of the plant (flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, tubers, seeds, and stems) are harmful. Symptoms in pets include gastrointestinal upset or severe illness. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if poisoning is suspected.

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Quickly Identify Garlic chives

Cream-colored flowers in umbels atop slender stalks, reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm).

Star-shaped white flowers with delicate petals clustered in 2-3 inch (5-7 cm) umbels.

Onion-like fragrance, flat lance-shaped green leaves forming tight basal rosette up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.

Capsule fruit shifts from dark green to beige, housing ovate black seeds (0.16 x 0.12 inches or 4 x 3 mm).

Round, hollow, smooth stem, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall, vibrant green color, unbranched with tubular structure.

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Care Guide for Garlic chives

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from Asia, garlic chives thrives in moderately moist, well-draining soil. It prefers weekly watering and higher humidity indoors. Once established, it shows moderate drought tolerance. Regular watering during the growing season enhances its growth, reflecting the balance of wet and dry cycles of its native habitat.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of garlic chives, use high nitrogen fertilizers and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Adjust feeding as garlic chives matures, focusing on phosphorus. Avoid direct contact with foliage during application to prevent burn, ensuring a robust harvest.

Pruning: Garlic chives, a clump-forming plant with edible leaves, requires early to late spring pruning to remove dead foliage and encourage new growth. Promptly removing flowers prevents seeding. Regular pruning enhances density and harvest duration. Use clean, sharp shears to prevent disease and ensure neat cuts.

Propagation: Garlic chives propagation is most effective in spring using its tubers. This straightforward technique allows for new shoot development, signifying success. Ensure tubers are spaced adequately to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.

Repotting: Garlic chives requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, ensuring that excess water does not accumulate, which can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues.

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