Description

Garlic chives is a perennial plant in the allium family that grows incredibly well in South Florida. They are also called "Chinese leeks" since they are commonly used in Asian cuisine. These chives are prolific producers and will spread over the years through their bulbs. The leaves and flowers are both edible and they have a mild garlic flavor. They are best eaten raw or added to dishes right before serving, since the flavor of the chives is lost once cooked.

In South Florida, I have found that they do not flower very often so, our preferred way of propagating them is through their bulbs. Each bulb you plant will grow into a garlic chive clump after a year or two. Then, you can dig this clump up and divide the bulbs to get more plants. We grow garlic chives all year long in South Florida. They thrive on neglect and also grow well through our hot and humid summer. To harvest the garlic chives you can cut each plant one inch above the soil level. Then, the leaves will all grow back in a few weeks. The bulbs are not edible because they are too fibrous.