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Edible aromatic bare-root perennial
Amaryllidaceae
Perennial herbs
‘Cliffs of Dover’ Garlic Chives
Allium tuberosum
Product code : ALLIUM-CLIFFS-OF-DOVER
Cliffs of Dover garlic chives is an edible herb with flat green leaves and white starry flowers from July to September. About 50 cm (20 in.) tall and 30 cm (12 in.) wide, it suits sun or light partial shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
- Quantity
- 1 bulb
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Deciduous herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 5 to 9
Discover the plant
Common nameCliffs of Dover garlic chives; Chinese chives
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusAllium
Speciestuberosum
CultivarCliffs of Dover
TypeEdible aromatic bare-root perennial
Botanical nameAllium tuberosum
Reproducible seedsYes
Cliffs of Dover garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) combines edible flat leaves with rounded clusters of pure-white starry flowers from July to September. The green foliage has a mild garlic flavour, and the fresh florets make an attractive garnish. This upright clump reaches about 50 cm (20 in.) tall and 30 cm (12 in.) wide.
Plant the bare root in spring once the soil has thawed and drained. Soak dry roots in cool water for about one hour, spread them in a roomy hole, and place the crown 25 mm (0.98 in.) below the surface. Space plants 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) apart in full sun or light partial shade. Use fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, then water deeply.
Keep evenly moist during establishment, without waterlogging. Add mature compost in spring and remove weeds around the clump. Harvest leaves moderately so enough remain to nourish the roots. Divide crowded clumps in early spring, usually every three or four years. Keep this allium away from pets, because edible alliums can be harmful to cats and dogs. Use Cliffs of Dover in herb gardens, vegetable borders, white flower beds or a kitchen-side container. Fresh leaves season salads, eggs, potatoes, soups and sauces. Pick clean, correctly identified leaves and flowers from plants grown with food-safe practices. Rinse and dry them before use, and leave enough foliage for the clump to regrow.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
25 mm (0.98 in.)
Spacing / density
15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) between plants
Best planting time
Spring
Propagation
Divide established clumps in early spring
Growing method
Plant the bare root in spring once the soil has thawed and drained. Soak dry roots in cool water for about one hour, spread them in a roomy hole, and place the crown 25 mm (0.98 in.) below the surface. Space plants 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) apart in full sun or light partial shade. Use fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, then water deeply. Keep evenly moist during establishment, without waterlogging. Add mature compost in spring and remove weeds around the clump. Harvest leaves moderately so enough remain to nourish the roots. Divide crowded clumps in early spring, usually every three or four years. Keep this allium away from pets, because edible alliums can be harmful to cats and dogs.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.5
Minimum temperature
about -29 °C (-20 °F), zone 5
Care level
Easy
Watering
Water deeply after planting and keep soil evenly moist while roots establish. Afterwards, water at the base when the surface begins to dry. Check pots more often during warm weather and empty saucers after watering.
Soil type
Fertile, humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist and drains well. Work mature compost into the planting area. Avoid compacted ground, standing water and deep shade, which can reduce growth and flowering.
Fertilization
Apply a thin layer of mature compost in spring. In poor soil, a light feeding supports fresh foliage and flowering. Avoid excessive fertilizer and retain enough leaves after harvest to feed the roots.
Moisture
Moderate moisture during establishment, then fresh to slightly dry, always drained soil
Seasonal care
Keep evenly moist during establishment, without waterlogging. Add mature compost in spring and remove weeds around the clump. Harvest leaves moderately so enough remain to nourish the roots. Divide crowded clumps in early spring, usually every three or four years. Keep this allium away from pets, because edible alliums can be harmful to cats and dogs. Remove spent flower heads if unwanted seedlings appear. Keep mulch away from the crown. Protect containers from severe winter freezing.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
at least 30 cm (12 in.) in diameter and depth
Use a stable container at least 30 cm (12 in.) in diameter and depth, with several drainage holes. Set the crown 25 mm (0.98 in.) below the surface in fertile potting mix enriched with compost and perlite. Place in sun or bright partial shade. Water when the surface begins to dry and empty the saucer. Harvest moderately. Protect the root ball from deep winter freezing while keeping it cool and dormant, neither dry nor waterlogged.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
50 cm (20 in.)
Width / spread
30 cm (12 in.)
Flower color
Pure white
Foliage color
Medium green
Foliage type
Deciduous herbaceous foliage with flat, linear leaves
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Compact upright clump
Fragrance
Fragrant flowers and foliage with a mild garlic scent
Bloom period
Rounded clusters about 5 cm (2 in.) across carry pure-white star-shaped flowers from July to September. The fragrant, edible florets rise on sturdy stems above the flat leaves. First-season flowering may be modest while the root establishes.
Harvest
Harvest leaves from spring to fall as needed, leaving enough foliage for regrowth. Pick clean, freshly open flowers for garnishes.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Combine with other herbs or border plants that enjoy sun and moist, well-drained soil. White flowers work with purple and blue blooms, while the flat green leaves add structure around lower edible crops.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Make fresh Cliffs of Dover garlic chive butter: soften 125 g of unsalted butter, then mix in three tablespoons of finely chopped leaves, one teaspoon of lemon zest, a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a few clean, pesticide-free white florets if desired. Roll in parchment and refrigerate for at least one hour. Slice over potatoes, grilled vegetables, fish, corn or warm bread. Rinse and dry the leaves before chopping to avoid watering down the butter. Refrigerate for a few days or freeze in portions.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How do I plant Cliffs of Dover garlic chives as a bare root?
Plant the bare root in spring once the soil has thawed and drained. Soak dry roots in cool water for about one hour, spread them in a roomy hole, and place the crown 25 mm (0.98 in.) below the surface. Space plants 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) apart in full sun or light partial shade. Use fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, then water deeply.
Are the leaves and flowers of Cliffs of Dover edible?
Yes. Allium tuberosum is garlic chives: its flat leaves and white flowers can be used as fresh herbs. Harvest only correctly identified plants grown with food-safe practices. Rinse and dry the leaves or florets, start with a small quantity, and leave enough foliage to keep the clump vigorous.
Why is my Cliffs of Dover garlic chives not flowering?
A new bare root may spend its first season establishing before flowering strongly. Too much shade, excessive leaf harvesting, poor soil or a waterlogged crown can also reduce blooms. Provide several hours of sun, spring compost and even moisture with good drainage. Divide older crowded clumps in early spring if flowering declines.
Can I grow Cliffs of Dover garlic chives in a container?
Use a stable container at least 30 cm (12 in.) in diameter and depth, with several drainage holes. Set the crown 25 mm (0.98 in.) below the surface in fertile potting mix enriched with compost and perlite. Place in sun or bright partial shade. Water when the surface begins to dry and empty the saucer. Harvest moderately. Protect the root ball from deep winter freezing while keeping it cool and dormant, neither dry nor waterlogged.
When should I divide Cliffs of Dover garlic chives?
Divide in early spring as new shoots appear, usually every three or four years. Water the day before, lift the clump and separate healthy sections with roots and several shoots. Discard a woody or diseased centre. Replant promptly with the crown 25 mm (0.98 in.) deep, 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) apart, then water deeply. Limit harvesting for a few weeks while the divisions root.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
The late-summer white flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects. Leave some stems in bloom rather than harvesting every flower, and avoid insecticides on open blooms.