How to Grow Garlic Chives in Pots and Borders – Complete UK Guide

If you’re looking for an easy herb to grow in your garden that comes back year after year, garlic chives could be exactly what you need.

These wonderful plants produce long, flat green leaves with a mild garlic flavour, making them fantastic for cooking.

They’re also incredibly attractive when flowering, producing clusters of small white star-shaped flowers that bees and other pollinating insects love to visit.

And one of the best things about garlic chives is that you don’t need a large garden or allotment to grow them successfully.

They can grow in herb beds, vegetable gardens, flower borders and containers on your patio.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I always enjoy finding crops that are productive, relatively easy to maintain and useful in more than one way.

Garlic chives are a brilliant example.

You can harvest their leaves for cooking, enjoy their flowers during summer and early autumn, and allow the plants to return the following spring.

Unlike ordinary garlic, which is usually grown for harvesting large underground bulbs, garlic chives are grown mainly for their edible leaves.

They are also a perennial herb, meaning established plants can remain productive for several years.

In this complete UK guide, I’ll explain how to grow garlic chives from seed, how to plant established plants into borders, which compost to use for containers and how to care for them throughout the year.

We’ll also look at harvesting, dividing mature clumps, controlling self-seeding and protecting plants during winter.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced allotment gardener, garlic chives are well worth considering.

What Are Garlic Chives?

Garlic chives, also known as Chinese chives, are a perennial herb with the botanical name Allium tuberosum.

They belong to the same wider plant family as onions, leeks, shallots and ordinary garlic.

However, they have some important differences.

Rather than growing large garlic bulbs, garlic chives produce clumps of narrow, flat leaves.

These leaves have a gentle garlic flavour and can be harvested repeatedly during the growing season.

The plants also produce clusters of white, star-shaped flowers, usually during late summer or early autumn.

Are Garlic Chives the Same as Ordinary Chives?

No.

Ordinary chives, Allium schoenoprasum, generally have thin, hollow, cylindrical leaves and pink or purple flowers.

Garlic chives have flatter leaves and typically produce white flowers.

Their flavour is also different.

Ordinary chives have a mild onion taste, while garlic chives have a mild garlic flavour.

Do Garlic Chives Come Back Every Year?

Yes.

Garlic chives are hardy herbaceous perennials.

In many UK gardens, the leaves die back during winter.

Fresh shoots then emerge from the established clumps during spring.

This means you don’t normally need to sow them again every year.

How Tall Do Garlic Chives Grow?

Healthy garlic chives can reach approximately 40–50 cm in height, particularly when flowering.

The exact size depends on growing conditions.

Why Should You Grow Garlic Chives?

There are several excellent reasons to add garlic chives to your garden.

1. They’re Easy to Grow

Once established, garlic chives require relatively little maintenance.

2. They’re Perennial

They return each spring instead of needing to be replanted annually.

3. You Can Harvest the Leaves

The green foliage is edible and useful in many savoury dishes.

4. They Produce Beautiful Flowers

Their white star-shaped flowers look attractive in borders and containers.

5. They Help Pollinators

The flowers provide nectar and pollen for visiting insects.

6. They Grow in Pots

You can enjoy garlic chives even if you only have a small patio or balcony.

7. You Can Divide Established Plants

As clumps become larger, you can divide them to create additional plants.

Gardening with Ben tip: If you’ve got a small garden, I always think it’s worth making space for plants that offer more than one benefit. Garlic chives provide food for the kitchen and attractive flowers for the garden.

When Should You Plant Garlic Chives in the UK?

Spring is an excellent time to start growing garlic chives.

You can either sow seeds or purchase young plants.

Growing Garlic Chives in March

March is a useful month for starting seeds under protection.

Indoor sowing can help seedlings establish before the weather improves.

Growing Garlic Chives in April

April is another good month to sow seeds under protection or in suitable outdoor conditions.

Planting Garlic Chives in May

By May, conditions are often becoming more suitable for planting out established young plants.

Check the weather forecast and avoid exposing tender indoor-grown seedlings to late frost without acclimatisation.

Can You Plant Garlic Chives During Summer?

Yes.

Container-grown plants can often be planted during summer, provided you maintain adequate moisture while they establish.

Avoid planting during extreme heat or prolonged drought where possible.

Can You Plant Garlic Chives in Autumn?

Established container-grown plants can sometimes be planted in early autumn while the soil remains workable.

However, spring is usually more practical for starting plants from seed.

If you have fresh, ripe seed, autumn sowing under appropriate conditions is also possible.

Where Is the Best Place to Grow Garlic Chives?

Garlic chives prefer fertile soil that retains moisture while still draining adequately.

Do Garlic Chives Need Full Sun?

They generally perform best in full sun.

A position receiving several hours of direct sunlight is ideal.

They can tolerate some light shade, although flowering and growth may be reduced.

What Soil Do They Prefer?

Choose soil that is:

• Fertile.
• Moisture-retentive.
• Well drained.
• Free from serious compaction.
• Reasonably clear of persistent weeds.

Can Garlic Chives Grow in Raised Beds?

Yes.

Raised beds can provide excellent growing conditions, particularly when the soil contains plenty of suitable organic matter.

Can You Grow Garlic Chives in Flower Borders?

Absolutely.

Their upright leaves and attractive white flowers make them useful additions to mixed flower borders.

What About Herb Gardens?

Garlic chives fit well alongside other culinary herbs with compatible growing requirements.

Remember to leave enough space for the clumps to expand.

How to Grow Garlic Chives from Seed

One of the easiest ways to establish garlic chives is by sowing seeds during spring.

Unlike ordinary culinary garlic, garlic chives readily produce botanical seeds.

Step 1: Choose Suitable Seeds

Purchase seeds labelled Allium tuberosum.

Check the packet to make sure you’re buying garlic chives rather than ordinary chives or wild garlic.

Step 2: Prepare Seed Trays

Choose clean seed trays or small pots with drainage holes.

Step 3: Fill with Seed Compost

Use a suitable peat-free seed compost.

Lightly firm the surface.

Step 4: Sow the Seeds

Sow thinly.

Cover with approximately 5 mm of fine compost, or follow the packet instructions.

Step 5: Water Gently

Moisten the compost without washing the seeds away.

Step 6: Provide Suitable Warmth

A sheltered indoor location around normal room temperature, approximately 15–20°C, can provide suitable conditions for germination.

Follow the instructions for your particular seeds.

Step 7: Watch for Seedlings

Seeds may begin germinating within one to three weeks, although timing varies.

Step 8: Provide Plenty of Light

Once seedlings emerge, move them somewhere bright.

Insufficient light can cause weak, elongated growth.

Step 9: Grow the Seedlings On

Continue watering carefully.

Once seedlings are strong enough to handle, they can be transferred into larger pots.

Step 10: Harden Off Before Planting

If you’ve grown your seedlings indoors, gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions before planting.

This helps reduce transplanting stress.

How to Plant Garlic Chives in Garden Borders

If you’ve purchased young garlic chive plants, planting them is straightforward.

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Position

Find a sunny area with well-drained soil.

Step 2: Remove Weeds

Clear weeds before planting.

This reduces competition while the new plants establish.

Step 3: Improve the Soil if Necessary

If the soil is poor, incorporate suitable mature compost.

Avoid adding excessive fertiliser.

Step 4: Dig a Planting Hole

Make a hole slightly wider than the root ball.

Step 5: Remove the Plant from Its Pot

Gently loosen the container.

Avoid damaging the roots unnecessarily.

Step 6: Position the Plant

Set the root ball at approximately the same depth it was growing in its original container.

Step 7: Backfill with Soil

Return the soil around the roots.

Firm gently.

Step 8: Water Thoroughly

Water after planting to help settle the soil.

Step 9: Leave Enough Space

Allow roughly 20–30 cm between developing clumps.

They will gradually spread as they mature.

Step 10: Monitor Establishment

Check moisture during dry weather.

Established garlic chives usually require less attention than newly planted ones.

How to Grow Garlic Chives in Pots

Garlic chives are excellent for container gardening.

They’re particularly suitable if you’ve only got a small outdoor space.

What Size Pot Should You Use?

A container around 20–25 cm wide and approximately 20 cm deep is a useful starting point for a young clump.

Larger pots will accommodate further growth.

What Compost Is Best?

Good-quality peat-free multipurpose compost is suitable.

Choose a mix that retains some moisture while allowing excess water to drain.

Should the Pot Have Drainage Holes?

Yes.

Garlic chives need moisture but shouldn’t remain waterlogged.

Where Should You Place the Pot?

Choose a sunny patio or another bright outdoor position.

How Many Plants Should You Put in One Pot?

This depends on the container size.

One established clump may eventually fill a medium-sized container.

Avoid overcrowding.

Do Garlic Chives Grow Well on Balconies?

Yes, provided the balcony receives enough sunlight and the containers are positioned safely.

Can You Grow Garlic Chives on a Windowsill?

They can grow indoors in a bright position, but long-term growth is often better outdoors where they experience natural seasonal conditions.

During winter, natural daylight inside UK homes may be insufficient for vigorous growth.

How Often Should You Water Garlic Chives?

Garlic chives prefer soil that remains reasonably moist during active growth.

However, they don’t need permanently saturated conditions.

Watering Young Plants

New seedlings and recently planted garlic chives require more attention.

Check soil moisture regularly.

Watering Established Clumps

Established plants tolerate some dry weather, but prolonged drought can reduce leaf production.

Watering Pots

Containers can dry out quickly during warm weather.

Check the compost regularly and water when necessary.

Watering During Winter

Growth slows during the colder months.

Outdoor plants may need little additional watering.

However, sheltered containers can still dry out.

Signs of Underwatering

Leaves may lose firmness, and growth can slow.

Signs of Overwatering

Persistently wet soil can cause root problems and yellowing foliage.

Always check the soil before watering.

What Is the Best Feed for Garlic Chives?

Garlic chives benefit from fertile soil, but they’re not especially demanding plants.

Homemade Compost

Mature garden compost can help improve the soil and provide nutrients.

Feeding in Spring

If plants are growing poorly because of low soil fertility, a suitable balanced fertiliser may help.

Feeding Container Plants

Pot-grown garlic chives may need occasional feeding because the available nutrients are limited.

Use an appropriate fertiliser according to the product instructions.

Should You Use Tomato Feed?

A tomato feed isn’t usually necessary.

Balanced nutrition is generally more useful for a leafy culinary herb.

Can You Overfeed Garlic Chives?

Yes.

Excessive fertiliser can create nutrient imbalances or soft growth.

Avoid feeding simply because it’s a particular day of the month.

How to Harvest Garlic Chives

One of the biggest benefits of growing garlic chives is being able to harvest the leaves repeatedly.

When Can You Start Harvesting?

Wait until the plant is established and has produced a healthy clump of leaves.

Avoid heavily harvesting weak seedlings.

What Do You Harvest?

The flat green leaves are the main edible part.

How Do You Harvest?

Use clean scissors.

Cut selected leaves near the base, leaving enough growth for the plant to recover.

For an established clump, cutting a small portion at a time is often the easiest approach.

Can You Cut the Whole Plant Back?

A healthy established clump can usually tolerate occasional substantial cutting during active growth.

However, repeatedly cutting very young or weak plants back to the ground can reduce vigour.

How Often Can You Harvest?

This depends on growth.

During warm spring and summer weather, plants may produce new leaves relatively quickly.

During winter, growth often stops or becomes much slower.

Should You Harvest Every Leaf?

No.

Leave sufficient healthy foliage to support continued growth.

Gardening with Ben tip: I recommend harvesting small amounts regularly rather than waiting until the leaves become old and tough. Young garlic chives are delicious when chopped fresh into cooking.

What Do Garlic Chives Taste Like?

Garlic chives have a mild garlic flavour.

They’re less pungent than eating raw garlic cloves.

Their taste makes them useful for dishes where you want garlic flavour without using large amounts of mature garlic.

Garlic Chives vs Ordinary Chives

Ordinary chives have more of an onion flavour.

Garlic chives are distinctly garlicky.

Can You Eat Garlic Chives Raw?

Yes.

Healthy, properly washed garlic chive leaves can be used raw.

Can You Cook Garlic Chives?

Yes.

They’re especially useful in dishes that are cooked quickly.

Overcooking can reduce their fresh flavour.

Ten Ways to Use Garlic Chives in Cooking

1. Scrambled Eggs

Sprinkle freshly chopped garlic chives over scrambled eggs.

2. Omelettes

Add them alongside cheese or other fillings.

3. Stir-Fries

Garlic chives are delicious in vegetable stir-fries.

4. Homemade Soup

Add chopped leaves shortly before serving.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Mix them into mashed potatoes with butter.

6. Garlic Butter

Combine finely chopped garlic chives with softened butter.

7. Salads

Young leaves add a gentle garlicky flavour.

8. Pasta

Use chopped garlic chives as a fresh garnish.

9. Savoury Pancakes

Garlic chives work well in savoury pancake mixtures.

10. Homemade Dips

Mix them into yoghurt, cream cheese or other savoury dips.

Always wash freshly harvested herbs before preparing food.

Do Garlic Chives Produce Flowers?

Yes.

Established garlic chives can produce beautiful clusters of white, star-shaped flowers.

These usually appear during late summer or early autumn in the UK.

Are Garlic Chive Flowers Edible?

Yes.

The flowers of correctly identified culinary garlic chives are edible.

They can be used as an attractive garnish.

Only harvest flowers from plants that haven’t been treated with unsuitable pesticides or chemicals.

Are the Flowers Good for Bees?

Yes.

Garlic chive flowers can provide nectar and pollen for visiting pollinators.

This makes the plant useful in wildlife-friendly gardens.

Should You Remove the Flowers?

It depends on your goal.

If you want maximum leafy growth, removing flower stems can help keep the plant focused on foliage.

If you want flowers for pollinators or seed collection, allow some to develop.

Will Garlic Chives Self-Seed?

They can.

When flowers produce mature seeds, some may fall into nearby soil and germinate.

If you don’t want seedlings appearing in surrounding beds, remove flower heads before the seeds scatter.

How to Divide Garlic Chives

Garlic chives gradually develop larger clumps.

Eventually, a clump may benefit from being divided.

Division is also an easy way to create new plants.

When Should You Divide Garlic Chives?

Early spring is an excellent time.

The plants are preparing to produce new growth.

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Clump

Select an established plant with healthy roots.

Step 2: Lift Carefully

Use a garden fork or trowel to lift the clump.

Step 3: Inspect the Roots

Remove obviously dead material.

Step 4: Separate into Sections

Gently pull apart the clump or use a clean tool.

Make sure every section retains healthy roots and shoots or growing points.

Step 5: Prepare New Planting Positions

Choose suitable soil or containers.

Step 6: Replant

Position the divisions at their original growing depth.

Step 7: Water

Water carefully after planting.

Step 8: Allow Recovery

Avoid heavily harvesting newly divided plants until they’re growing strongly again.

Do Garlic Chives Survive Winter in the UK?

Yes.

Garlic chives are hardy perennial plants.

However, their foliage may die back when temperatures fall.

What Happens During Autumn?

Growth begins slowing as daylight and temperatures decrease.

Older foliage may start yellowing.

What Happens During Winter?

In many UK gardens, the leaves die back.

The underground parts of the plant remain dormant.

Should You Cut Garlic Chives Back?

You can remove dead and collapsed foliage when appropriate.

There’s no need to cut healthy growth off prematurely.

Should You Mulch Garlic Chives?

A light layer of suitable organic matter around established plants can be useful.

Avoid covering the crowns with thick, wet mulch.

Do Potted Garlic Chives Need Protection?

Container-grown roots are more exposed to cold temperatures.

During prolonged severe frost, moving pots into a sheltered position may help.

Maintain drainage and avoid waterlogging.

When Do Garlic Chives Start Growing Again?

Fresh growth generally emerges during spring as conditions improve.

Why Are My Garlic Chives Turning Yellow?

Yellowing can happen for several reasons.

Natural Autumn Dieback

Leaves often yellow as plants enter winter dormancy.

Overwatering

Waterlogged soil can damage roots.

Underwatering

Prolonged drought can stress plants.

Poor Nutrition

Plants growing in depleted container compost may become weak.

Root Congestion

Old clumps can become overcrowded.

Disease

Garlic chives can be affected by certain allium diseases, although established plants are often relatively trouble-free.

Check growing conditions before deciding on treatment.

Common Garlic Chive Pests and Diseases

Slugs and Snails

Young shoots may be damaged.

Protect seedlings where necessary.

Allium Leaf Miner

This pest can attack several plants in the allium family.

Check for distorted foliage and signs of larval damage.

Onion Fly

Onion fly larvae may attack roots and underground plant tissues.

Downy Mildew

Certain downy mildew diseases can affect alliums.

Symptoms can include discoloured or unhealthy foliage.

Onion White Rot

White rot is a serious disease affecting onions, garlic and related plants.

Avoid moving potentially contaminated soil or planting material into unaffected growing areas.

How Can You Reduce Problems?

Start with healthy plants.

Avoid excessive watering.

Maintain appropriate spacing.

Remove badly diseased material.

Keep containers and gardening tools reasonably clean.

Can You Grow Garlic Chives Alongside Other Herbs?

Yes.

Garlic chives are useful in mixed herb beds.

Growing with Parsley

Parsley and garlic chives can share a fertile, moisture-retentive growing area.

Growing with Ordinary Chives

You can grow both together, provided each clump has room to develop.

Growing with Mint

Mint spreads vigorously.

It’s often better kept in a separate pot to prevent it competing with garlic chives.

Growing with Rosemary

Rosemary generally prefers relatively drier conditions.

Although the plants can grow near one another, their watering requirements aren’t identical.

Growing with Basil

Basil prefers warmer growing conditions and is less hardy.

It can be grown nearby during summer, but usually needs separate winter care.

Can You Grow Garlic Chives in a Polytunnel?

Yes.

Garlic chives can be grown in suitable containers or beds under cover.

However, remember that they are hardy perennials and don’t need a warm polytunnel throughout winter.

Benefits

Shelter from excessive rainfall.

Potentially earlier growth in spring.

Convenient access for harvesting.

Possible Problems

The soil may dry out because rainfall doesn’t reach the plants.

Poor ventilation can encourage fungal problems.

Excessively warm conditions during summer may stress plants.

Should You Grow Them Inside or Outside?

For most UK gardeners, an outdoor herb bed or container is the simplest long-term option.

Use protected growing space where there’s a practical reason, such as producing leaves during cooler weather.

Month-by-Month Garlic Chives Growing Calendar

Month	Jobs
January	Check dormant plants and ensure container drainage.
February	Prepare seed trays and plan new plantings.
March	Sow seeds under protection and divide established clumps.
April	Continue sowing and monitor fresh spring growth.
May	Harden off seedlings and plant out in suitable conditions.
June	Harvest leaves regularly and water during dry spells.
July	Continue harvesting and feeding pots if necessary.
August	Enjoy white flowers and collect leaves.
September	Allow flowers to feed pollinators or remove seed heads to limit self-seeding.
October	Tidy declining foliage and protect newly established plants where necessary.
November	Monitor drainage and avoid disturbing dormant clumps.
December	Leave hardy outdoor plants dormant and check containers during severe weather.

These timings will vary depending on your location and the weather.

Ten Common Garlic Chive Growing Mistakes

1. Confusing Garlic Chives with Ordinary Garlic

Garlic chives are grown primarily for edible leaves, not large garlic bulbs.

2. Choosing a Waterlogged Position

They prefer moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

3. Planting in Deep Shade

Insufficient sunlight may reduce vigour and flowering.

4. Using Pots Without Drainage

Roots can suffer in saturated compost.

5. Allowing Seedlings to Dry Out

Young plants need consistent moisture while establishing.

6. Overfeeding

Excessive fertiliser isn’t necessary for healthy growth.

7. Harvesting Young Plants Too Heavily

Allow small seedlings to establish before repeated cutting.

8. Forgetting to Divide Congested Clumps

Older plants may benefit from division.

9. Allowing Unwanted Self-Seeding

Remove maturing flower heads if you don’t want additional plants.

10. Assuming Winter Dieback Means the Plant Has Died

Garlic chives are perennial and commonly regrow in spring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Garlic Chives

Are garlic chives easy to grow in the UK?

Yes. They’re hardy perennial herbs suited to UK gardens and containers.

When should I sow garlic chive seeds?

Spring is an excellent time, particularly March and April under protection.

Can garlic chives grow in pots?

Yes. Choose a container with sufficient space and proper drainage.

Do garlic chives come back every year?

Yes. They’re perennials, and established clumps normally regrow each spring.

Do garlic chives need full sun?

They generally grow best in full sun but can tolerate some light shade.

Can you eat garlic chive flowers?

Yes. The flowers of correctly identified culinary garlic chives are edible.

Are garlic chives good for bees?

Yes. Their flowers provide resources for pollinating insects.

How tall do garlic chives grow?

Established plants can reach approximately 40–50 cm, especially when flowering.

How often can you harvest garlic chives?

You can harvest during active growth whenever the plant has produced sufficient healthy leaves.

Should you cut garlic chives back after flowering?

You can remove spent flower stems and tidy the plant. Avoid unnecessarily removing all healthy leaves.

Can garlic chives grow indoors?

Yes, with adequate light, although outdoor growing is generally easier for long-term perennial plants.

How do you divide garlic chives?

Lift an established clump, separate it into rooted sections and replant.

Do garlic chives spread?

They gradually form larger clumps and may also self-seed if flowers are allowed to mature.

Do garlic chives taste like garlic?

Yes. They have a mild garlic flavour.

Are garlic chives and Chinese chives the same plant?

Yes. Both names commonly refer to Allium tuberosum.

Can garlic chives survive frost?

Established plants are hardy, although the foliage may die back during winter.

What is the difference between garlic chives and wild garlic?

Garlic chives are Allium tuberosum, while wild garlic is Allium ursinum. They are different species with different growing habits.

What can I cook with garlic chives?

They’re delicious in omelettes, stir-fries, soups, potatoes, salads and homemade dips.

Final Thoughts: Why Garlic Chives Deserve a Place in Your Garden

Garlic chives are one of those herbs that offer something for almost every gardener.

They’re easy to grow, useful in the kitchen, attractive when flowering and capable of returning year after year.

Whether you plant them in a herb border, raised bed or patio container, they’re a fantastic choice for growing fresh ingredients at home.

The key to success is giving them a sunny position, suitable soil and enough moisture during active growth.

If you’re starting from seed, allow young plants time to establish before harvesting heavily.

Once your clumps are growing strongly, you can enjoy cutting fresh leaves throughout much of the growing season.

And when the white flowers appear, you’ll have the added benefit of attracting pollinating insects into your garden.

As the clumps become larger, divide them to produce extra plants for other areas of your garden or to share with friends and family.

If you’ve never grown garlic chives before, I’d definitely recommend giving them a try.

They’re a brilliant addition to a productive UK garden and a lovely example of how herbs can be both practical and beautiful.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!