What are garlic chives?

Are chives and garlic chives the same thing?

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) and garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are both perennial herbs belonging to the onion (allium) family. They're used in the same way, to add flavour to a wide variety of dishes. They also look similar, but there are a few differences. A garlic chive plant is bigger than a normal chive plant, reaching up to 50cm tall with wider, flatter leaves. Chives have narrow, hollow leaves and grow up to 30cm tall. They have a mild onion taste, rather than a garlic flavour.

How to grow garlic chives

The easiest way to grow garlic chives is to buy a plant, but you can also grow them from seed. Sow garlic chives direct from April to August into a narrow drill or into a container. Alternatively, sow under cover from February and plant out seedlings from May, around 10cm apart. Water regularly, especially during hot weather. Harvest chives by cutting near the base with scissors. This will encourage new leaves to grow.

How to store garlic chives

Garlic chives can be stored in the same way as chives. They should keep for around three days in the fridge. Place them in a plastic bag or box to keep them fresh for longer. Chives can also be frozen – either chop them up and add to an ice cube tray, before topping up with water, or freeze the leaves on a baking tray, then transfer to a container or freezer bag.

What do garlic chives taste like?

Garlic chives have a much less intense garlicky flavour than a garlic clove. This makes them a useful ingredient in salads, dips or as a garnish for soups, as they don't overwhelm the dish. Chop chives with scissors rather than a knife. Try them in potato and fish recipes, in omelettes, savoury pancakes, pad thai or stir fries. Add garlic chives to a dish at the end of cooking for the best flavour or use them as a garnish, sprinkling over just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

Do garlic chives come back?

Garlic chives are a bulbous perennial. They will die down over winter but return in spring, producing new growth once the weather warms up.

Can you eat raw garlic chives?

Yes, garlic chives can be eaten raw and make a delicious garnish. They can also be cooked in dishes such as stir fries or soups. They are usually added at the end of the cooking process to get the best flavour from them. If they are cooked for too long, the flavour fades.

Varieties of garlic chive to grow

Siberian garlic chives, Allium nutans – mild garlic flavour and blue to purple flowers. H x S: 60cm x 30cm