Promising Plants Profiles

Allium schoenoprasum var. sibiricum

Genus: Allium
Specific Epithet: schoenoprasum
Varietas (Variety): sibiricum
Common Names: giant chives, Siberian chives, wild chives
Family: Alliaceae

Flower Color: rose-pink
Form: herbaceous perennial
Hardiness Zone: 3-9 but best in 6-8
Height: can reach 24'' with bloom spikes up to 30''
Soil: well-drained soil
Sun: full sun

Uses: culinary, craft, medicinal (limited), ornamental *
Parts Used: bulbs, flowers, leaves

"The original seeds came from Cornell Plantation and Audrey H. O' Connor. This variety has taller leaves, a green stem of greater diameter, and larger, deeper pink flowers than the garden chives. In Germany, large chives are called Alpenschnittlauch. 'Fruhlau' is another large cultivar of the large chives. Both the leaves and flowers are excellent for many culinary uses, and the plant puts on a lovely show in the garden. Chives like full sun and are easily grown from seed. In the garden the clumps should be divided every 3 or 4 years. Chives are best in Zones 6-8. In warmer zones they are better grown as an annual." – Dorothy Bonitz, Promising Plants Presentation, 2005

* Members of the Allium genus may be toxic to cats, dogs and certain other mammals if consumed repeatedly or in large quantities.

Seed Source: 2005 HSA Seed Exchange

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