In early summer, established plants will produce clusters of flowers, usually light purple, which are also edible if picked before seed begins to form. Shear the plant at any time to harvest the foliage. It will quickly put out tender new growth. If possible, grow chives near the kitchen door so they are handy when needed in a recipe. Chives do not dry well, but they can be potted up for winter growth indoors.
Garlic chives are also hardy perennials.
The foliage is flat rather than hollow, and grows to about twelve inches high. The flower stalks grow up to 30 inches high, topped with greenish-white flower heads which are quite showy. The mild garlic flavor of the foliage is useful in many foods, particularly oriental dishes. As with chives, garlic chives are harvested by shearing the leaves at ground level. Older leaves become coarse, so shear the plants occasionally even if you have no immediate use for the herb.