Garlic chives care guide
Allium tuberosum
Also known as: Chinese chives
Pets and children
Considered toxic
An onion relative: leaves or roots eaten by dogs or cats destroy red blood cells, and anemia, dark urine, vomiting, and lethargy can appear days later; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian if any is eaten.
How often to water Garlic chives
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; pots dry quickly in midsummer, so check in the morning.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 4 days
- The plant stores energy now; as a guide, water about one to two days after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- The top dies back and the plant rests, so water sparingly, about enough to keep the soil from drying out completely; outdoors, rain is sometimes enough.
Light and placement for Garlic chives
A sunny, airy spot is about right, though it also grows in partial shade; it is a perennial that crops for several years, so plant it in free-draining soil in a container at least 20 cm deep.
Overwintering Garlic chives
Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above
Cold-hardy and generally left outdoors all winter; the leaves die back, the crown rests, and new shoots usually appear in spring, so just clear away the dead leaves.
Fertilizing and repotting Garlic chives
Fertilizer
As a guide, give a little granular or diluted liquid fertilizer after each cutting; in the first year harvest lightly to build the clump, and feed again in autumn for the next spring.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Garlic chives
- Cut too often in the first year, the clump weakens and the leaves grow thin.
- Left undivided for years, the crowded clump gives fewer, thinner leaves.
- Poorly drained, soggy soil damages the roots and yellows the leaves.
Tips for growing Garlic chives
- When it is about 20 to 25 cm tall, cut it about 3 cm above the base.
- Removing the summer flower stalks early keeps the clump from tiring.
- Dividing and replanting every two to three years in spring or autumn restores vigor.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
