Garlic Chives Growing in Australia

This Garlic chives growing guide is to help you grow this wonderful herb, with its long green shoots, chive-like appearance and garlic flavour.

Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) may taste like garlic, it is actually a member of the onion family. Indeed it is a perennial that grows around the world. It grows so well in Australia that in some areas it is considered a noxious weed.

Garlic Chives Growing Season

Garlic chives loves humid tropical and sub-tropical growing conditions. They can grow all year around in these locations.

In the tropics we find early April is a good time to plant garlic chives. They will grow all year around in the tropics.

In temperate areas of Australia sow Garlic Chive seeds from September to May. In cooler areas of Australia sow Garlic Chive seeds from September to April.

Garlic Chives Growing Conditions

This plant will survive in poor soil. Indeed almost any well draining soil will be suitable to grow this herb in. It enjoys sun but will tolerate part shade.

You can plant your garlic chives with companion plants such as cucumbers, basil and tomatoes. Having garlic chives next to these plants is said to help protect them from pests like Japanese beetles, black spot and mildew.

Garlic Chives Growing Zone

Garlic chives are quite hardy and can grow in a wide range of climates.

In cool Temperate Zones: Garlic chives will grow well during the warmer months (spring to autumn), though they may die back in winter. In regions with cold winters, the plant will become dormant but regrow in spring.

In warmer tropical and subtropical zones like northern Queensland, garlic chives can be grown year-round as long as they get some partial shade during the hottest part of the year.

They thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, which correspond to a variety of climates in Australia.

Garlic Chives Seeds

Once garlic chives flower (usually in late summer), they produce small black seeds. When the flower heads dry out, the seeds can be collected for replanting.

Garlic Chives Growing from Seed

Garlic Chives Growing Stages

Garlic Chives Growing in Pots

Growing garlic chives in pots is easy. In the tropics, growing in pots is recommended. This is because the ground can become water-logged during the wet season, which is not great for chives. Pots are more likely to provide the well draining environment that chives prefer.

In the right conditions, you may not need to fertilise at all. However, you can apply a slow release fertiliser at the time of planting.

During the wet season you can also apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser every month or so. However, only do so if you feel it is needed.

Further, make sure you do not over-fertilise, as slightly slower growth produces a healthier plant with a better flavour.

Garlic Chives Growing Tips

Wait at least 12 months before harvesting. After this you can harvest leaves at any time. Simply use a pair of scissors and make sure you cut at the base of the leaves just above the soil level.

Watering

This plant has deep roots. Consequently it benefits from deep watering. So allow a few days in between watering (for the top of the soil to dry out).

Pests and Diseases 

Garlic chives are fairly pest resistant. However, they do experience rust and black aphids.

Regular application of ‘white oil’ can help address these pests. White oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home. Also, Neem oil is a great organic way to keep pests at bay.

Health Benefits

They not only have a number of uses in the kitchen, they also have benefits for your digestive system and blood circulation. The fibre in this plant can also help to ease the digestive process.

Chives are high in flavonoid antioxidants. Indeed these antioxidants help fight cancer, improve heart health, and can even fight inflammation. They also detoxify the body and boost skin health.

Chives also contain choline – choline is a nutrient that helps with mood, memory, muscle control, the nervous system and other areas of brain function.

Thanks for reading and I hope our garlic chives growing tips help.

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