Practical
Plants

Allium schoenoprasum sibiricum

Giant Chives

a member of the Allium genus in the family Alliaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Alliaceae
Genus
Allium
Height
0.3 m
Spread
0.3 m
Fertility
Bees, Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[17].

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Leaves - raw, cooked or dried for later use. The leaves have a mild onion flavour and are an excellent addition to mixed salads, they can also be used as a flavouring in soups etc[18][2]. This form has a stronger garlic flavour than common chives[5] The leaves are often available from late winter and can continue to produce leaves until early the following winter, especially if the plant is in a warm, sheltered position[K]. A good source of sulphur and iron[8]. The bulbs are rather small but can be used as spring onions[K]. They can be harvested with the leaves still attached and be used as spring onions[K]. They have a pleasant mild onion flavour. The flowers can be used as a garnish in salads etc[5]. The flowers of this species are rather dry and less desirable than the flowers of many other species[K].

Plant part
Flowers
Plant part
Leaves
Plant part
Root

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The whole plant has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and the blood circulation. It improves the appetite, is digestive, hypotensive and tonic[8]. It has similar properties to garlic (A. sativum), but in a much milder form, and it is rarely used medicinally[11].

Product or use
Appetizer
Product or use
Digestive
Product or use
Hypotensive
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The juice of the plant is used as an insect repellent, it also has fungicidal properties and is effective against scab, mildew etc[3][4][6]. The growing plant is said to repel insects and moles[3][6].

Product or use
Fungicide
Product or use
Repellent

Environment

Range
N. America to E. Asia - Siberia, Japan.
Habitat
Calcareous or basic rock, gravels and shores, Alaska and southwards[15].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy, pot up the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle easily and plant out in the following spring. Division can be carried out at almost any time of the year but is probably best done in spring. The clumps should be divided at least every 3 or 4 years in order to maintain vigour[7], the divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An easily grown plant[9], it prefers a sunny position in a rich moist but well-drained soil[3][14]. Succeeds in most soils[1][14] and in light shade[9]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[9]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.2 to 8.3. This is a more robust form of A. schoenoprasum, the chive. It is often grown in the garden for its edible leaves which are available from late winter to the beginning of the next winter[K]. The bulbs divide rapidly and large clumps are quickly formed. There are some named varieties[5]. Regular cutting of the leaves ensures a continuous supply of young leaves and prevents flowering[13]. Plants can be moved into a frame or other protected environment in the autumn and will then produce leaves throughout the winter[13]. Do not do this every year or it weakens the plants. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[1]. A good bee plant[12]. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[4][6][16]. Helps to reduce the incidence of scab when it is grown under apple trees[8]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[8]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[10].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

    ↩

  3. Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-87857-262-7

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins 1979-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  5. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. 1978-00-00 ISBN 0-88266-064-0

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

  8. Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-304-34324-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  9. Davies. D. Alliums. The Ornamental Onions. Batsford 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7134-7030-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  10. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  11. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩

  12. Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden.

    ↩

  13. Organ. J. Rare Vegetables for Garden and Table. Faber 1960-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  14. Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. 1878-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  15. Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00

    ↩

  16. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

    ↩

  17. Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO 1984-00-00 ISBN 0112425291

    ↩

  18. Phillips. R. and Rix. M. Bulbs Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30253-1

    ↩

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