Synonym is Allium fistulosum L.

Common names are Chinese chives, Chinese leeks (Eng.); kau ts’oi (Chinese).

Many local and commercial cultivars are grown in tropical Asia, including both tall and short leaved forms. Tropical Asia, possibly China, where several related wild species of Allium occur.

A perennial herb, up to 30 cm, producing many tillers.Leaves: hollow, narrow, 10-25 cm X 0.1 cm, angular in cross-section. Stems: tillers produced in large numbers. Bulbs: not well developed, 1-3 cm X 0.5-1.5 cm. Flowers: borne in umbels on long scape, perinatal segments pink-mauve, fragrant; stamens shorter than perinatal.

Well-drained barns, with a high level of organic material are generally suitable. The plants are adapted to a wide range of temperature but rarely thrive in lowland areas with temperatures greater than 25C. Seeds are sown in containers or in a seedbed and the seedlings are transplanted, when 15-20 cm in height, to prepared beds with rows 24-30 cm apart, plants 15-20 cm apart in the row, or in square planting at 20 cm X 20 cm. Seed requirement: 4 kg/ha to give a density of 300 000 plants/ha.

Most cultivars are easily propagated by division of the basal shoots produced by the parent plant. These are detached and plan

Fertile, well-drained sand or silt loam soils, with good moisture retaining properties give good results; heavy clay soils are likely to produce malformed bulbs. The major elements should be available to the crop during growth but a surface dressing of nitrogen as bulbing begins is often beneficial. Potash may be required in some areas. Relatively high temperatures up to 30C are required for optimum bulb development but cooler conditions in the early stages favor vegetative growth. Flower initiation does not appear to be directly linked with low temperatures; some clones do not flower. Excessive humidity and rainfall are detrimental to both vegetative growth and bulb formation. The crop is therefore normally grown in low rainfall areas with irrigation, if required, during the early vegetative growing stage when the rate of water intake by the plant is relatively high and is approximately the same as that of onion. In most areas, elevations from 500-2000 m provide suitable growing conditions, particularly during dry periods. Long days favor bulb development. In areas where there is a seasonal variation in length of day, it is preferable to plant during short photo periods so that maximum use will be made of this for vegetative growth. The total yield depends on the amount of vegetative growth made before bulbing begins.

Plants are normally mature enough for harvesting 60-120 days from planting, depending on the characteristics of the cultivar. An average yield of 20 t/ha may be obtained. Seeds are rarely produced in short days and high temperatures. The leaves should be crisp, clean and free from discoloration. The roots should be trimmed, without damaging the condensed stem base, before the plants are tied into bunches.

A perennial herb up to 40 cm in height. Distinct bulbs not formed. Stem: a rhizome. Leaves: long and narrow, 15-30 cm X 0.3-0.6 cm, solid, linear, flat above, slightly keeled below, not folded. Flowers: borne in umbels on solid scape up to 45 cm in height; perinatal segments 6 mm X 3 mm, white, with green or red stripe on reverse, star-shaped, fragrant.

Bulbs should be firm and solid, lightweight bulbs may have become diseased or have been dehydrated. Sprouting cloves should be discarded. Curing for 8-10 days is necessary before either marketing or storage, to prevent deterioration in store. Bulbs may be stored at 0C for up to 150 days or at 25-30C for up to 90 days. At both temperatures, the relative humidity should be less than 70%. Good air circulation is essential.

Mainly used as a condiment for flavoring meat and fish, also in salads. The green tops are also widely used in Asia. The characteristic flavor of garlic is due to the production of allein and diallyl disulphide.