Garlic Chives [Allium tuberosum]

The perennial chives are a very old, hardy spice and medicinal plant that is considered an effective natural remedy and promising cancer prevention in traditional medicine. The leaves have a hearty and sweet garlic aroma. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-autumn-winter, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Chives are a very old perennial herb and medicinal plant that originally comes from China. In Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) and Japanese medicine (TJM), the herb is considered an effective natural remedy and is promising for cancer prevention. The leaves of the white-flowering chives are flat and have a savory and sweet garlic aroma. The seeds are also edible and can be used as a spice. The vigorous and hardy plant attracts many insects.

 General information 
Plant family: Amaryllidaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 80 cm
Root type: Heart rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -17°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 13-18 °C
Germination time: 14-28 days
Plant and row spacing: 4x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Endive, Strawberry, Chamomile, Carrot, Parsley, Lettuce, Celery, Salsify, Tomato
Unfavorable mixed culture: Bean, Pea, Kale, Beetroot, Chives, Onion, Garlic

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from November to December is recommended, or with artificial stratification it is possible all year round. The plants should ideally be placed in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend direct sowing from February to April or, with artificial stratification, from May to August. The plants are ideally placed in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Requires 6 weeks of cold exposure to germinate. Direct sowing with subsequent thinning at the specified planting distance is recommended.
Garlic chives ideally prefer soil that is moist, permeable, rich in nutrients and contains a lot of humus and clay. They do not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Garlic chives generally prefer cooler and more humid climates. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
Regular harvesting is necessary to encourage new growth. Because the plants initially grow slowly, we recommend weeding surrounding herbs regularly. Fertilizing is only recommended in spring to encourage new growth.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Allium tuberosum
English names: Garlic chives, Chinese chives
German names: Schnittknoblauch, Chinesischer Schnittlauch
Portuguese names: Cebolinho Chinês
Spanish names: Cebollino de ajo
French names: Ciboulette ail

 Origin 
Country: Germany