Allium tuberosum (Garlic chives) — Clump-forming

Overview

Allium tuberosum is a clump-forming perennial herb in the genus Allium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall and 0.3 m wide. Allium tuberosum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers, dried flowers and architectural planting. It is native to Assam, China North-Central, Nepal and West Himalaya.

About

Allium tuberosum is a species of plant native to the Chinese province of Shanxi, and cultivated and naturalized elsewhere in Asia and around the world. It has a number of uses in Asian cuisine.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium tuberosum

About the genus

Allium is a large genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants with 1112 accepted species, making Allium the largest genus in the family Amaryllidaceae and among the largest plant genera in the world. Many of the species are edible, and some have a long history of cultivation and human consumption such as the onion, garlic, scallions, shallots, leeks, and chives.

Wikipedia contributors, "Allium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Allium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Allium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Allium tuberosum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial herb
Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.3 m
Spread: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Cut flowers, Dried flowers, Architectural planting
Native to: Assam, China North-Central, Nepal, West Himalaya
Fragrance: Mild garlic scent

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Allium tuberosum

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; can be grown from seed or offsets; mulch in winter in colder climates
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
Propagation: Offsets, Seed
Pest resistance: Allium leaf miner, Onion fly
Disease resistance: Onion white rot, Onion downy mildew, Leek rust

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Allium tuberosum?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; can be grown from seed or offsets; mulch in winter in colder climates.

Where is the best place to plant Allium tuberosum?

Allium tuberosum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Allium tuberosum need?

Allium tuberosum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.