Allium tuberosum, commonly known as garlic chives or Chinese chives, is a late-season bloomer hailing from the onion family. Originating from southeastern Asia, this herbaceous perennial boasts several monikers, including Chinese leek. While often utilized as an ornamental plant in North America, it holds a place in Chinese herbal medicine for its diverse medicinal applications.
Which adds extra flavor to cooking. For this reason, many people call garlic ‘power house of medicine and flavor’. Garlic is called a natural antibiotic. Others call it the poor man’s penicillin. The price and demand of spices are always high in the market of the country. You can use Garlic Chive as an alternative to that garlic. Much like garlic in taste and nutrition. It can be used directly as a substitute for garlic.
Garlic Chives fry is very tasty. As it is rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C, carotene and calcium, it will reduce the risk of diabetes, cholesterol levels and heart disease. This crop suitable for cultivation in Bangladesh can be used as an alternative if the price of garlic increases in the market.
A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Garlic Chives
Here’s everything you need to know to get started:
Planting Garlic Chives
In most regions, planting garlic chives begins in early spring as temperatures start to rise. However, if you reside in mild-winter areas like the low desert of Arizona, the ideal planting window extends from October through April.
When it comes to planting garlic chives, you have two options: seeds or transplants. While both methods are viable, starting with transplants is often recommended for quicker establishment and larger plants.
Select a suitable spot in your garden for garlic chives. These herbs thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates. Opt for a location with afternoon shade if available to shield the plants from intense sunlight.
Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Incorporating compost or aged manure enhances soil fertility and moisture retention. Raised beds are excellent choices for growing garlic chives, promoting optimal drainage and preventing root saturation.
When planting transplants, place them at the same level as the nursery pot, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. For seeds, sow them ¼ inch deep with 6-9 inches of spacing between plants. Employing square foot gardening? Allocate one plant per square for garlic chives.
Caring for Garlic Chives
Garlic chives require approximately 1 inch of water per week during their growing season, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Adjust watering frequency during hot summer months to prevent soil dehydration, but beware of overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Throughout the growing season, remove faded leaves to encourage healthy growth. After flowering, trim back the flower stalks, or leave them to develop seeds. When the plant withers and yellows, prune it back to soil level, optionally dividing it and applying a fresh layer of compost or manure.
Harvesting and Using Garlic Chives
Harvest garlic chives once they reach around 12 inches tall. Snip off the leaves at the base using scissors or gardening shears, taking no more than one-third of the plant at a time.
In Chinese cuisine, garlic chives feature prominently in various dishes, including scallion pancakes, stir-fries, and dumplings. Add freshly chopped garlic chives to salads, soups, and stews for a burst of flavor.
Edible flower heads can be harvested before fully opening. Wait until they begin to unfurl before clipping them with scissors or a sharp knife.
Preserving Garlic Chives
Preserve excess garlic chives by freezing, freeze-drying, or dehydrating chopped leaves. Store dried leaves in airtight containers away from light for up to one year, ensuring a steady supply of this culinary gem year-round.
With these simple steps, you’ll soon be enjoying the fresh, aromatic taste of homegrown garlic chives in your favorite dishes. Happy gardening!
