Garlic Chives - Allium tuberosum - €5 per plant

This perennial herb not only tastes great but looks great too. It's a less well known Allium than Chives, but arguably as delicious. Best used in salads or sprinkled in scrambled eggs or omelettes. The bodacious flowers are a delicate white and very attractive to bees, are on show from July - September. Being from the Allium family it is said to be a good companion plant in the garden confusing many pests with their strong aroma. The plant has many medicinal properties including the leaves and bulbs used on bites, cuts and wounds. To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com.  

Context

  • native region: E.Asia ?
  • native habitat:Not known in a truly wild situation.
  • family: Alliaceae

Predators

  • We have not come across any pest or predation for this plant in our garden 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4a - 8b
  • Prefers dry or moist soil
  • Water when dry in summer  
  • Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer


Known hazards 

  • Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible

Overview

  • Bulbous perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). ​
  • In flower from Aug to Sep , and the seeds ripen from Sep to Oct. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees and other insects.
  • The plant is self-fertile. 
  • Noted for attracting wildlife. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
  • Can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 
  • It prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: Bulbous perennial 
  • layer : Ground Layer
  • habit: Clumping bulbous plant, spreading  
  • height x width (m): 0.3 x 0.3
  • years to bearing yield: 0-1 year  
  • productive life span: Indefinite 

Products 

  • Bulbs: Can be harvested with the leaves still attached and be used as spring onions
  • Leaf: Excellent in salads and omelettes. 
  • Flowers: Delicious intense flavour
  • Insecticide:  A spray made from the juice of the plants is said to increase the resistance of other plants to diseases and fungal attack.

Functions, behaviours

  • Bulbous growth spreading if undisturbed 
  • A very ornamental plant, it grows well as an edging plant in the flower garden
  • Flowers in summer 
  • Thought to improve the taste of carrots, tomatoes and grapes. May be beneficial to roses., but it inhibits the growth of legumes.
If you would like this plant please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project