NIRA GARLIC CHIVES

Allium tuberosum

ORGANIC

This superb Japanese selection produces large attractive mounds of broad flat lily-like foliage. Flavor is excellent. Requisite for authentic Niratama.

Substantial enough to be cooked as a vegetable. Chinese yellow (blanched) chives are a fragrant delicacy easily achieved with an overturned bucket. Minced leaves are a mild alternative to crushed garlic in Pasta Puttanesca. Extremely easy and versatile in the kitchen, and adaptable to diverse cuisines.

Garlic Chives are extremely hardy and will spread, sometimes aggressively, in moist soils. Excavate clumps, roots and all, to eat or transplant. Potted plants are nice gifts for friends with balconies. Ideal for expansive permacultural landscapes, but worth growing in every well-tended garden.

Start seeds indoors several weeks before setting outdoors in spring: sow seeds just below surface of moist soil, pressing to keep seeds snug; mist generously with warm water; cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature; kept warm (70F) and moist in bright light seeds will germinate in a week or two. Prick out bunches of three to five seedlings to grow on in individual pots or cells at room temperature in bright light. Transplant outdoors in full or part sun when well-rooted. Garlic Chives will tolerate some clay, but do best in moist well-drained soil.

Packet contains at least 100 seeds.