Light. Give it at least 4–6 hours of sun a day. Shade during the hottest part of the day prevents wilting; garlic chives need full sun.
Water. Keep the soil moist but well drained. Water at the base, not overhead, and mulch to hold moisture. Wilted plants perk up within hours of a good soaking.
Soil and feeding. Best at pH 6.0–7.0. Mix compost into sandy soil, or use a raised bed or a pot of Organic Pro Mix: Veggies and Herbs. Feed with a balanced fertilizer while it grows, following the label.
Size. Grows to about 1 ft, in clumps that slowly expand.
Pruning. Snip leaves at the base every 2–3 weeks, taking no more than a third at a time. Pinch off flower buds for more leaves.
Problems to watch. Aphids and thrips are the main pests; hose off aphids or spray Insecticidal Soap.
Good to know. Plant August through March. Garlic chives are much hardier than onion chives in beds without regular water. The flowers are edible.
Sources: UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County: Spice Up Your Life, A Beginner's Guide to Growing Chives · UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County: Chives, A Reliable Herb in a Keys Garden
