Garlic Chives

Growing

You can enjoy garlic chives as a reliable, long-lived addition to your garden, whether you are planting nursery-grown clumps or starting seeds in the spring. These perennials thrive in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. While they are quite hardy and can survive a hard freeze, they grow best when you provide regular moisture and avoid letting the roots sit in waterlogged earth. Because they spread via rhizomes, you may find yourself dividing the clumps every few years to manage their expansion.

When you are ready to use your harvest, chop the flat, strap-shaped leaves to use as a fresh seasoning for stir-fries, dumplings, or even savory pancakes. If you want to extend your harvest into the colder months, you can blanch the leaves before freezing them to preserve their flavor. For a more unique culinary project, you can even ferment the white flower clusters to create a specialized sauce. To keep your harvest fresh for longer, store the leaves unwashed in the refrigerator.