Allium tuberosum

Allium tuberosum — garlic chives

Allium tuberosum, known as garlic chives or Chinese chives, is a hardy perennial allium that bridges the worlds of onion and garlic, offering a mild garlic flavour from flat, leek-like leaves. It is the botanical name behind our garlic chives range within the culinary herb collection.

History & origin

Garlic chives are native to the mountains and valleys of China and Southeast Asia, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Long central to Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese cooking — in dumplings, stir-fries and pancakes — they reached Western gardens far more recently, where they are valued as much for their late flowers as for the kitchen.

The name tuberosum refers to the plant's slightly tuberous, rhizome-like roots, distinguishing it from its hollow-leaved cousin Allium schoenoprasum, the common chive.

Botanical characteristics

Unlike common chives, Allium tuberosum has flat, solid, strappy leaves and a clear garlic taste. It forms slowly spreading clumps 30–50 cm tall and, in late summer, sends up starry white flowers that are richly scented, edible and a magnet for late-season bees. A tough, long-lived perennial, it sits among our perennial herbs and grows readily in pots with our container-friendly herbs.

Growing Allium tuberosum from seed

Sow in spring in trays or directly into well-drained soil, keeping the surface lightly moist — germination can be slow, so be patient. Once established the plants are virtually carefree, thriving in sun or light shade and forming neat clumps that divide easily every few years. Cut leaves regularly to keep them tender. Our herb growing guide and herb sowing calendar cover timing and care in full.

Ready to grow garlic chives? Explore the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Garlic Chives · Culinary Herbs · Perennial Herbs · Container Herbs · All Herb Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.