Chive, Garlic - Allium tuberosum
80 Seeds
Sow March - June.
Hardy perennial.
Height 45cm (18in), spread 30cm (12in).
Prefers a fairly rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position with partial shade.
Sow in shallow drills with a light covering of soil, soild needs to be rich and moist. Soil should also be well drained, though the chives will tolerate a poorer soil.
Indoor sowings can be done in spring/autumn direct into pot or container.
Thin plants to 9 inches apart, keep soil moist, especially in dry spells. Divide and replant every four years.
This bulb plant has hollow, dark green leaves, which are cylindrical and very slender, tapering to a point at the top. They are 6-10" long with a surrounding stem at the base. Flowering stems shoot up from the bulb. The small, white star-shaped flowers appear in slow growing clumps. Grow near the roots of apple trees to help prevent apple scab. It also helps prevent black spot in roses. Carrots grow larger than normal when planted with chives.
Chive - Garlic
From the family Alliaceae.
Like garlic and leeks, chive belong to the onion family, growing wild in Northern Europe, Greece and Italy. Ancient civilizations are thought to have been familiar with it, but rumours claiming that chives 'send up hurtful vapours to the brain' fortunately were unfounded. Chives were a favourite in China as long ago as 3,000 bc. Alliums have marvellous health-giving properties. The stronger they smell the more effective their healing powers and historially it was used as an antidote to poison and to stauch the flow of blood.