How to Grow Allium (Garlic and Chives)
Allium (Garlic and Chives)
Allium sativum (garlic), Allium schoenoprasum (chives)
vegetableAlliums are a diverse genus of bulbous plants prized for their pungent, flavorful foliage and bulbs. Garlic produces large divided bulbs with individual cloves, while chives grow as slender, hollow green stalks topped with delicate purple flowers. Both are cold-hardy perennials widely used in cooking and gardening.
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Example Allium (Garlic and Chives) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Allium (Garlic and Chives)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Allium (Garlic and Chives)
Around Nov 8≈ 210 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Garlic thrives in zones 3-9; chives in zones 3-9. Both prefer cooler climates with distinct seasons
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Dormancy/Sprouting (Garlic)
8-12 weeksGarlic cloves planted in fall overwinter underground, with roots forming in cool soil. By early spring, green shoots emerge from the soil
Mulch planted garlic with 2-4 inches of straw or leaves for winter protection. No watering needed during dormancy unless soil is extremely dry
Early Growth (Spring)
6-8 weeksPlants develop 3-4 green leaves. Garlic shoots grow rapidly; chives form clusters of thin, upright foliage
Apply balanced fertilizer (5-5-5) every 3-4 weeks. Remove any flower scapes from garlic in spring (except hardnecks). Keep soil consistently moist
Vegetative Growth (Late Spring/Early Summer)
6-8 weeksGarlic develops 6-8 leaves and visible bulb swelling begins underground. Chives continue leaf production and may begin flowering
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; apply potassium-rich fertilizer to support bulb development. Allow chive flowers to bloom if desired for pollinators. Continue regular watering
Bulb Maturation (Early Summer)
4-6 weeksGarlic bulbs enlarge as lower leaves yellow and dry. The papery outer wrapper develops. Chives enter full flowering with purple pompom flowers
Reduce watering as foliage yellows; allow soil to dry slightly. Stop fertilizing. For garlic, reduce watering to encourage curing. Deadhead chive flowers or leave for seeds
Harvest Maturity
Variable; garlic at 210-240 days; chives continuously productiveGarlic: bottom 2-3 leaves brown and dry, top leaves begin yellowing. Chives: foliage still green and productive year-round, or flowers ready to dry
Harvest garlic when 50-75% of leaves have yellowed (typically June-July). Cut chives regularly 1 inch above soil to encourage bushier growth. Do not over-harvest new transplants
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers over seedlings, yellow sticky traps, diatomaceous earth, crop rotation every 3 years
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Use nematode-free seed stock, rotate crops, solarize soil, avoid overhead watering
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Neem oil spray, insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial predators, remove heavily infested leaves
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No chemical cure; remove infected plants with soil, avoid planting Alliums in same location for 8+ years, improve drainage, use resistant varieties
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, copper fungicide, remove infected leaves
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and
Hand-pick at dusk, beer traps, copper barriers, encourage ground beetles, diatomaceous earth
Uses
Flavoring agent for cooking
CulinaryGarlic is a foundational ingredient in cuisines worldwide, adding pungent depth to soups, sauces, and sautés. Chives provide a mild onion flavor perfect for garnishing soups, potatoes, eggs, and salads without overpowering [source]
Immune support and cardiovascular health
MedicinalGarlic contains allicin and sulfur compounds with documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, traditionally used to boost immunity and support heart health. Chives contain similar beneficial compounds in milder form [source]
Natural pest deterrent
HouseholdGarlic and chives are planted throughout gardens as companion plants to repel insects and protect neighboring crops from pests. Garlic spray can be made to deter aphids and other soft-bodied insects [source]
Braiding and storage
CraftGarlic can be braided together by its dried stems into decorative garlands for kitchens, providing both aesthetic appeal and convenient access to fresh garlic. Braids can last months in cool, dry storage [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeChive flowers are delicate and attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Allowing chives to flower supports pollinators while providing edible flowers for human use [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Garlic: Harvest when 50-75% of foliage has yellowed (typically late June-July). Loosen soil and pull plants; cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location for 2-3 weeks. Clip stems and roots when fully cured; store in cool (40-50°F), dry conditions. Chives: Harvest outer leaves first, cutting 1 inch above soil for continuous regrowth. Begin light harvesting 3-4 weeks after planting; do not over-harvest young plants. Flowers are edible and can be harvested for garnish or drying. Chives are perennial—they return year after year if left to die back naturally in fall
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Garlic has been cultivated for over 7,000 years and was fed to Egyptian slaves building the pyramids for strength and stamina.
- 🌱 A single garlic bulb can contain 4-20 individual cloves, with hardneck varieties typically producing larger cloves and softneck varieties producing more cloves per bulb.
- 🌱 Chives are the mildest member of the Allium family and are one of the first herbs to emerge in spring, making them a symbol of rebirth in some cultures; they can be harvested multiple times per season and will regrow for 5-10+ years from the same plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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