Chives-garlic, often also referred to as Allium tuberosum or Chinese chives, belongs to the leek family like chives, garlic or onions. In terms of botany and appearance, it is quite similar to the common chives (Allium schoenoprasum), but unlike them it has a distinct garlic flavor. The leaves are also higher with up to 80 centimeters and are also wider.

location and substrate

Chives need a loose and nutrient-rich soil, which should also be rather moist. You can loosen up loamy soil with humus and sand, since the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. Otherwise, he feels very comfortable in a sunny to semi-shady place - only full sun and shade are to be avoided.

watering and fertilizing

Always keep the plant moist, but avoid waterlogging. Specimens planted in the garden should also be watered regularly, especially during dry summer periods. For fertilization, an organic vegetable fertilizer is recommended, which can be added to the irrigation water every four weeks. Supply the plant with mature compost in the spring. In winter, on the other hand, no fertilizer is used.

Harvesting and wintering

Chive garlic is a perennial plant, the aerial parts of which die off completely in the cold season. However, it quickly sprout again the following spring. If you want to harvest all year round, you should cultivate the chive-garlic in a pot and overwinter at about 12 to 18 °C in a bright place. Planted chives can be harvested from June to October. Cut the stems a few inches above the ground and avoid harvesting the whole plant if possible. As with chives, the flowers and buds can also be used in the kitchen.

Good neighbors / bad neighbors

Similar to chives, chives harmonize very well with cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, carrots and nasturtiums. A mixed culture with other leeks (especially leeks) as well as brassicas, beans and peas should be avoided.

tips and tricks

The chives are also easiest to propagate by division. For the purpose of rejuvenation, this measure should be carried out about every three years. Division occurs either in early spring or late autumn.

Category:

Herbs