Garlic Chive
Where to buy seeds
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Geisha Garlic Chives claimed the 2015 All-America Selections National Winner title for good reason, this standout cultivar towers at 16 inches with broader, flatter leaves than ordinary chives, delivering both dramatic garden presence and intense garlic flavor. Ready to harvest in just 70-79 days, this perennial herb thrives in zones 3-10 and produces massive yields of dark green foliage perfect for year-round culinary adventures. What makes Geisha truly special is its combination of size, flavor intensity, and reliability that caught the attention of AAS judges nationwide.
Full Sun
Moderate
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Perennial
Moderate
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The 2015 AAS National Winner status speaks volumes about Geisha's exceptional performance in gardens across America. Standing tall at 16 inches with distinctively larger, flat leaves, this variety delivers both visual impact and culinary power that sets it apart from common chives. The massive yields and intense garlic flavor make it a kitchen workhorse, while its adaptability to zones 3-10 means gardeners across diverse climates can enjoy this award-winning herb.
Geisha excels in stir-fries where its robust garlic flavor can stand up to high heat and bold seasonings, while also serving as an elegant garnish that adds both visual appeal and flavor punch to finished dishes. The substantial leaves make excellent additions to soups, providing a fresh garlic note without the bite of raw garlic cloves, and the generous yields mean you'll have plenty for both cooking and decorative purposes throughout the growing season.
Start seeds 6-8 weeks before your anticipated transplant date, germinating at temperatures between 60-75°F. The small seeds can be gently pressed onto the soil surface without covering, as they need light to germinate successfully. Feed developing seedlings with balanced fertilizer every 10-14 days for optimal growth, and expect some patience as germination may be slow and erratic.
Transplant hardy Geisha seedlings after the last frost date when soil has warmed and weather has stabilized. Small seedlings can be successfully transplanted in small clumps rather than individual plants, which actually helps establish stronger colonies faster.
Begin harvesting Geisha leaves at 70-79 days from seed when plants reach good size and the dark green color has fully developed. For fresh use, harvest only as needed to maintain peak flavor and encourage continuous growth. When preparing for drying, harvest at peak maturity and hang small bunches in a warm, dry location with good ventilation for 1-2 weeks. For the highest essential oil content, harvest just as blooms begin to appear.
With its upright growth habit, Geisha maintains a naturally tidy appearance, but regular harvesting essentially serves as pruning by encouraging fresh growth and preventing the plant from becoming woody.
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“Geisha Garlic Chives earned its place in gardening history when it captured the prestigious 2015 All-America Selections National Winner award, a recognition given only to varieties that demonstrate superior performance across diverse growing conditions throughout North America. This honor marked Geisha as a standout among garlic chives, distinguished by judges for its exceptional size, yield, and flavor characteristics that set new standards for the category.”