Common name: Korean Mint Pinyin: tu huo xiang Part used: Leaf ...

Allium tuberosum/ramosumCommon name: Garlic chivesPinyin: jiu cai zi 韭 菜Part used: LeavesFamily: AlliaceaePlant DescriptionA fast-growing perennial herb with erect, pungent, flat onion-like leaves growing 1-2 feet from small, tough, bulbs.Umbels of white flowers bloom profusely beginning late summer. Prefers cool weather, full sun, moderately loamysand soil. Garlic chives tolerate drought well.HardinessUSDA Zones 4-8. (1)PropagationDirect-seed early spring or transplant from bulbs or divided rhizomes into prepared seedbed.Field ProductionEasy to grow, plant in rows or beds under drip irrigation to minimize invasiveness and spread. Side dress establishedplants with compost in early spring to maintain production and plant vigor. Properly maintained stands can remainproductive indefinitely. Do not plant near ordinary chives or other similar species as identification can becomeconfusing.PestsAphids and powdery mildew have been reported as problems under some conditions.HarvestLeaves are harvested anytime up to flowering time, washed, diced and dried or used fresh like ordinary chives.InvasivenessGarlic chives produce seeds prolifically and also spread by rhizomes. It has escaped cultivation in parts of Europeand the US, and has become weedy in places. Removing flowers before going to seed will minimize invasiveness.Trim rows or beds in early spring to remove unwanted creeping rhizomes.NotesThe flowers can also be used for ornamental purposes in fresh or dried arrangements.References1) Floridata,http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/alli_tub.cfm©Copyright NMSU and Western Center RME, WSU