Title image above is copyright © Kristi Ellinopoullos

First published 12th June 2025

If you love alliums (of genus Allium) — onions, garlics, leeks, shallots, chives, and garlic chives — but are unfamiliar with society garlic, you may well need to become acquainted!

The name ‘society’ garlic comes from it not producing the bad breath garlic is known for.

Society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is very closely related to Allium, with Tulbaghia and Allium both of subfamily Allioideae and family Amaryllidaceae.

(This is possibly why society garlic looks so much like miniature Agapanthus, especially when in flower, as Agapanthus is also in the Amaryllidaceae family.)


copyright © Kristi Ellinopoullos


copyright © Kristi Ellinopoullos


copyright © Kristi Ellinopoullos

Those strappy leaves have the most intense garlicky taste that really puts garlic chives to shame. They are so garlicky and pungent that I could taste them in my mouth — literally — simply by potting a few up today. They really are that strong.

[A related aside: many moons ago in the lab, when using acetonitrile for days and weeks on end, I’d go home each night with the taste of bitter almonds in my mouth. This is because acetonitrile (CH3CN) contains the cyanide ion (CN-).]

Some dishes benefit more with garlic chives instead of garlic — for example having a bowl of chopped chives on the table for people to add their own to soups and casseroles. There is also the visual appeal of fresh diced greens mixed through mashed potato, polenta or rice.

But garlic chives (and chives) can be a little on the bland side and often lack the punch I’m looking for.

I do use garlic chives (and chives) when I want to tone it down a bit, and am just after the visual interest. But for the times I need both taste and colour, society garlic hands down is the best of both worlds and has me reaching for it time and tine again.

Another big plus in their favour, at least here in this climate, is that they are a tougher, more robust plant than garlic chives. They are certainly more heat and drought tolerant, and nothing seems to phase them no matter the season. Your mileage may vary if prone to heavy frosts though.