Production of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) as potted herb

Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng.) is an important Allium herb native to east Asia. Chinese chive blossoms throughout summer and fall seasons. Aerial parts of this plant are consumed fresh or processed. It can also be used as an ornamental in house gardens and public parks. Chinese chive is considered as a minor vegetable but its production is gaining popularity as a potted herb in many countries. We carried out an experiment to test whether this species is suited for production as a potted herb. The seeds of Chinese chive were germinated in the greenhouse by sowing them in plastic trays (104 cavities) filled with a mixture of turf and perlite (2:1). About three months after germination, seedlings were transferred to 2-L pots filled with the same mixture. Plant development was slow in the first year and about three shoots were produced by each plant in the first growth season. In the second year, plants were transferred to 4-L pots in early February. All Chinese chive plants produced multiple shoots and flowers in the second season. Aerial parts of the plants were harvested in early Fall. In average, each pot contained about 45 shoots and ~80 flower stalks. About 250 g of pseudo-stem, leaf, and flower stalks was obtained from each pot. Potted Chinese chive plants can be maintained many years by transferring them to larger pots before the start of every growth season. Our results clearly show that Chinese chive is well suited for production as potted herb.