Grow a flavorful perennial culinary herb with Garlic Chives Seeds from Mai’s Family.

Garlic Chives, botanically known as Allium tuberosum, produce flat, grass-like green leaves with a mild garlic and onion flavor. Unlike common chives, Garlic Chives have flat leaves and develop clusters of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers during summer or early fall.

Also known as Chinese Chives, Chinese Leek, Nira, Buchu and Hẹ, this traditional Asian herb is commonly used in stir-fries, dumplings, noodles, soups, egg dishes, savory pancakes and fresh garnishes.

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Heirloom Garlic Chives seeds
• Non-GMO culinary herb
• Botanical name: Allium tuberosum
• Perennial in USDA Zones 3–9
• Flat green leaves with a mild garlic flavor
• Fragrant, star-shaped white flowers
• Approximately 80–90 days to maturity
• Young leaves may be harvested as needed
• Suitable for gardens, raised beds and containers
• May be grown indoors near a bright, sunny window
• Edible leaves and flowers
• Useful as both a culinary and ornamental herb

PLANT PROFILE

Common Name: Garlic Chives
Alternative Names: Chinese Chives, Chinese Leek, Nira, Buchu, Hẹ
Botanical Name: Allium tuberosum
Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Growth Habit: Upright and clump-forming
Mature Height: Approximately 18–24 inches when flowering
Mature Spread: Approximately 12 inches
Leaf Type: Flat, narrow and grass-like
Leaf Flavor: Mild garlic and onion flavor
Flower Color: White
Bloom Period: Summer through early fall
Days to Maturity: Approximately 80–90 days
Germination Time: Commonly 7–14 days
Planting Depth: Approximately 1/4 inch
Final Plant Spacing: Approximately 8–12 inches
Row Spacing: Approximately 12 inches
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water Needs: Moderate and consistent
Soil: Fertile, moist and well-drained
Preferred Soil pH: Approximately 6.0–7.0
Container Suitable: Yes

CULINARY USES

Garlic Chives provide fresh garlic flavor without the intensity of mature garlic cloves.

The leaves may be used in:

• Stir-fries
• Dumpling and spring-roll fillings
• Noodles and fried rice
• Soups and broths
• Egg and omelet dishes
• Savory pancakes
• Salads and fresh garnishes
• Flavored butter and sauces
• Baked potatoes
• Sandwiches and cream cheese spreads

The leaves are most flavorful when used fresh. They may also be chopped and frozen for later culinary use.

The white flowers are edible when the plants are grown without chemicals unsuitable for food crops. Individual florets may be separated and used sparingly as a garnish.

GARLIC CHIVES VS. COMMON CHIVES

Garlic Chives:

• Botanical name: Allium tuberosum
• Flat, solid leaves
• Mild garlic flavor
• White, star-shaped flowers
• Generally bloom during summer or early fall

Common Chives:

• Botanical name: Allium schoenoprasum
• Thin, hollow leaves
• Mild onion flavor
• Pink to purple flowers
• Generally bloom earlier in the season

STARTING SEEDS INDOORS

For an earlier start, sow Garlic Chives seeds indoors approximately 8–10 weeks before the expected final spring frost.

1. Fill seed-starting containers with moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Sow seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep.
3. Keep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged.
4. Maintain a soil temperature of at least approximately 50°F.
5. Expect germination in approximately 7–14 days under suitable conditions.
6. Provide bright light after seedlings emerge.
7. Harden seedlings outdoors gradually for approximately 7–10 days.
8. Transplant after severe frost danger has passed, spacing plants approximately 8–12 inches apart.

DIRECT-SOWING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare a sunny or partially shaded location with fertile, well-drained soil.
2. Sow seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep after the soil becomes workable in spring.
3. Keep the soil surface consistently moist during germination.
4. Thin seedlings after they become established.
5. Leave approximately 8–12 inches between mature plants.
6. Space rows approximately 12 inches apart.

SUNLIGHT AND SOIL

Garlic Chives grow best in full sun, receiving approximately six or more hours of direct sunlight daily.

Plants can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with intense summer heat. Heavy shade may reduce growth and flowering.

Choose fertile soil that retains moderate moisture while allowing excess water to drain. A soil pH of approximately 6.0–7.0 is suitable.

WATERING

Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early establishment.

Established plants can tolerate short dry periods, but regular watering encourages tender leaf growth and recovery after harvesting.

Avoid constantly saturated soil and containers without drainage holes.

CONTAINER GROWING

Garlic Chives grow well in containers and may be easier to manage when grown in pots.

Select a container with adequate drainage and fill it with fertile, well-draining potting mix. Place the container in full sun or bright partial shade.

Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering than plants growing in the ground.

Plants may also be grown indoors near a bright, sunny window, although growth may slow during periods of limited winter light.

HARVESTING

Young leaves may be harvested after the plants become established and begin producing vigorous growth.

Use clean scissors to cut leaves near the base while leaving enough growth for the plant to recover. Harvest outer leaves first or cut small sections from established clumps.

Allow plants time to regrow between heavy harvests. Freshly harvested leaves generally provide the strongest flavor.

FLOWERING AND SELF-SEEDING

Established Garlic Chives produce clusters of fragrant white flowers during summer or early fall.

The flowers may attract visiting pollinators and add ornamental interest to herb gardens, edible landscapes and containers.

Garlic Chives can self-seed readily. Remove fading flower heads before mature seeds develop if volunteer seedlings or unwanted spreading are not desired.

Check local gardening recommendations before planting because Garlic Chives may spread aggressively in some locations.

PERENNIAL CARE

In USDA Zones 3–9, established Garlic Chives can return from their underground root system each spring.

The foliage may die back after freezing weather and reappear when conditions warm. Remove dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Established clumps may become crowded over time. Divide them approximately every three years to maintain healthy growth.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• One packet of Garlic Chives seeds
• Heirloom and Non-GMO herb variety
• Seeds only—live plants, pots, soil and growing supplies are not included
• Seeds are intended for planting and gardening purposes

NATURAL SEED NOTICE

Seed germination and plant performance depend on seed freshness, temperature, moisture, planting depth, soil, sunlight, climate and individual gardening practices.

Maintaining suitable warmth and consistent moisture can improve establishment. However, germination and plant performance may vary, and germination of every individual seed cannot be guaranteed.

SELLER INFORMATION

Brand: Mai’s Family
Website: https://maisfamily.us/