Allium ampeloprasum

Plant Details

Back

General Information

Scientific name: Allium ampeloprasum
Also known as: Babington’s leek

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer, Vegetable
Format: Smal
Height: 1.80 m
Width: 0.10 m
Growth Rate: -
Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 5-9
Soil Moisture:
Permeable, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Flowers, Root
Edibility:
(5)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
None

Description

Chives can be eaten raw or cooked. The bulbs vary in size from 2 to 6 cm and have a strong leek and garlic flavor. They are used as a seasoning in cooked dishes. Selected cultivars of the bulbs are large and have a mild garlic flavor. The leaves can also be consumed raw or cooked, with a mild to strong garlic taste. They are available from late autumn to spring, although they become fibrous and tough as they age. The flowers have a similar flavor to the leaves but are drier in texture and are best used as a flavoring in cooked dishes. The chive bulbs have a mild garlic flavor and are suitable as a seasoning in salads and cooked food. Although they grow abundantly, their small size makes them a bit cumbersome to handle. They can also be pickled.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/08
End of Harvest: 30/09

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild Description
Diospyros kaki
Persimmon
The Allium helps repel pests affecting Diospyros, while Diospyros offers shade and habitat for beneficial insects.
Prunus avium
Sweet cherry
Prunus can attract pollinators, which may benefit Allium ampeloprasum during its flowering period.
Thymus vulgaris
Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme
Thymus can improve the flavor of nearby Allium and is also beneficial for pollinator attraction.
Prunus domestica
Plum
Prunus domestica can provide organic matter through dropped fruits, enriching the soil around Allium ampeloprasum.
Carya ovata
Hickory
Carya can improve soil structure and moisture retention that aids Allium ampeloprasum growth.