Allium ampeloprasum
Babington’s leek
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Allium ampeloprasum.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Well-drained, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Flowers, Root
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.