Chives – Garlic

Plant family: Alliaceae

Plant origin: Europe and North America.

Fruit description:

Flowers: Flowers are tiny mauve, produced in a dense little head which is soft and fluffy resembling clover flowers, about 20 mm diameter. They grow on long stems in Spring and Summer.

Growing conditions: Chives are very easy to grow. They are small hardy perennial plants with thin tubular upright leaves up to 500 mm high. Garlic chives have flattened leaves. They have tiny bulbs. Plant them in well drained rich soil, with plenty of organic matter, in full sun. Feed the plant in mid Spring and late Summer with complete plant food. They die back in cold weather and sprout again when it's mild. Divide the clumps of bulbs when they begin to sprout. Chives make a handsome border. They do very well in pots. Protect the plants with mulch in heavy frosts.

Uses: Chives have a mild onion flavour and are easier to digest than onions as they contain less sulphur. Garlic chives have a mild flavour similar to garlic. Chives are used in cooking, or eaten fresh. They make a simple elegant garnish for all savoury dishes, soups and platters. They are often chopped and added just before serving to soup, savoury pancake or an omelette. They go perfectly with potatoes, with smoked salmon and with eggs. They are great in savoury muffins Chinese dumplings, dips, and also in sandwiches.

Medicinal uses: Chives are rich in vitamins A and C as well as iron. Chives are traditionally used to aid digestion, and to stimulate circulation.

Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating.

Harvest time Cut the leaves fresh any time you need to use them. Use scissors and cut the leaves and flowers near the base to encourage more growth.

Plant relatives Chives are related to onions, shallots, garlic and leeks.

Special features: Chives are useful for repelling insects and for attracting bees and can be grown for this purpose in the garden or outside your door to discourage pest insects.

Grown by method: Seed Grown Pot size: 100mm

Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.

Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: 100mm