Growing and Marketing Garlic Chives at Local Green Markets in Southeast Florida, 2011–13

Abstract

The growers for Stephen’s Produce grew and marketed garlic chives, Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng, cv. ‘Nira’ during the 2011–13 seasons to help supply local green markets with a weekend supply of garden fresh produce. Seeds were planted in flats in late July and seedlings were transplanted in late August. Harvesting began in early October and continued for the duration of the season (until early May). For the 2011–12 season, open beds were used and 215 clumps of seedlings were set two rows per bed at a within-row spacing of 5.6 inches on 100 bed feet. Clumps were cut an average of 3.5 times and produced 469 bunches; 85 bunches were left unsold. For the 2012–13 season, beds were covered with white on black polyethylene plastic mulch. Clumps of seedlings were again set two rows per bed at a within-row spacing of 7 inches on 100 bed feet. Clumps were cut an average of five times and produced 453 bunches; 35 bunches were left unsold. In 2011–12, an average of 12.8 bunches were sold each week at an average of $1.97 per bunch or $25.27 per week and $758 for the season. In 2012–13, an average of 13.9 bunches were sold each week at $1.50 per bunch or $20.87 per week and $636 for the season.