Chives, Garlic – Allium tuberosum

Chives, Garlic – Allium tuberosum is a hardy perennial with flat green leaves that have a mild garlic flavour. Striking white flowers during the summer that are also very attractive to pollinators.

Fairly tolerant of conditions but best in a rich, moist soil in a mainly sunny position. Garlic Chives will die back over winter. Plants look great in the border but will also grow quite happy in pots or containers.

Use the long, flat leaves as you would for ordinary chives. Very useful if you want a hint of garlic but something more subtle than Garlic itself. Try in salads, soups, cheese or egg dishes.  Add at the end of cooking to get the best flavour. Flowers are edible and also have a garlic flavour, they make a particularly decorative garnish.