Garlic Chives vs Chives: What’s the Difference?

If you are seeking new garnishes in the kitchen, you may be wondering what the differences are between garlic chives vs chives. Are they the same thing, or are they different? Are they from different plants, and what do they both taste like? If you are interested in learning more about chives, whether it be onion chives or garlic chives, you’re in the right place. 

In this article, we will compare and contrast garlic chives with chives so that you can fully understand the differences between them. We will go over what they look like, what they are commonly used for, and where they grow best in case you want to grow them fresh in your own backyard. Let’s get started and learn all about chives now! 

Comparing Garlic Chives vs Chives

Key Differences Between Garlic Chives vs Chives

There are a number of key differences between garlic chives and chives. For example, chives grow shorter overall compared to the average garlic chive plant. In addition, chives grow hollow while garlic chives grow as flat blades. Finally, chives have a mild onion flavor, while garlic chives have a mild garlic flavor, though it is a subtle difference. 

Let’s go over all of these differences in more detail now. 

Garlic Chives vs Chives: Classification

It may come as no surprise to hear that garlic chives and chives are from the same plant family. They belong to the onion family, commonly known as Allium. However, chives and garlic chives are classified differently and are technically different varieties from one another. For example, garlic chives are classified as Allium tuberosum, while chives are classified as Allium schoenoprasum. 

Garlic Chives vs Chives: Description

It may take some time, but there are some ways that you can tell the difference between garlic chives and chives just by looking at them. For example, chives grow in hollow, grass-like stems, while garlic chives grow flat and are not hollow. In addition, garlic chives grow taller than chives overall, typically by 5 to 10 inches.

If you happen to grow garlic chives or chives in your own backyard, there are some differences in the way that their flowers look. For example, chives typically grow purple flowers that look like globes, while garlic chives grow white flowers that have a flatter top in comparison. For the most part, garlic chives are easy to pick out due to the fact that they look like flat blades of grass, while regular chives do not. 

Garlic Chives vs Chives: Uses

Both chives and garlic chives have a variety of culinary uses, depending on what you are making. However, chives are more popular in cuisines compared to garlic chives overall. They can be used interchangeably, but garlic chives taste more like garlic compared to the mild onion flavor of regular chives. In addition, garlic chives hold up to heat and sauteing better than regular chives do, so this is something to keep in mind if you want to cook with either variety. 

Garlic Chives vs Chives: Hardiness Zones

Despite their similarities in flavor, appearance, and scientific classification, garlic chives and chives have slightly different growing zones that they prefer. For example, chives are more cold-hardy compared to garlic chives overall, which means they grow in more locations. 

Garlic chives thrive in hardiness zones 4 through 9, while regular chives grow best in hardiness zones 3 through 9. This is a subtle difference, but something to keep in mind if you live in a colder zone than the average person. You can still grow both options, but garlic chives will have a shorter growing season overall! 

Garlic Chives vs Chives: Flavor and Texture

A final difference between garlic chives and regular chives lies in their flavor and texture. For example, garlic chives have a subtle garlic flavor to them, while chives taste like onions. Both of these plants are not as potent in their flavor compared to traditional garlic and onions, but these herbs make fantastic garnishes and add a level of well-balanced flavor to any meal. 

Something important to note about both of these plants is the fact that garlic chives tend to hold up better to heat compared to regular chives. In addition, regular chives get woody or tough as they age, while garlic chives remain tender for the majority of their life.