Garlic chives Allium tuberosum
Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Southwest China (cultivated across East and Southeast Asia). It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Garlic chives in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Garlic chives at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flower buds, flowers |
| Native to | Southwest China (cultivated across East and Southeast Asia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore |
Is Garlic chives toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves, bulbs
Alliums can damage red blood cells in cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Garlic chives
Good neighbours
- good With the Rosaceae family: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Legumes (pea family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Legumes (pea family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
Shared pests and diseases
- White rot: Allium white rot survives in soil for 15+ years; never move infected soil. Evidence B
Questions about Garlic chives
- How far apart should I plant Garlic chives?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Garlic chives need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Garlic chives need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Garlic chives?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Garlic chives flower?
- From about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Garlic chives poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Alliums can damage red blood cells in cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Garlic chives?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Self-seeds freely if flower heads are left to ripen; deadhead to prevent spread.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Onion Allium cepa
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Garlic Allium sativum
- Leek Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)
- Chives Allium schoenoprasum
- Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
- Ornamental allium Allium giganteum
- Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum