Question
QUESTION: Elyse,

Several years ago I planted a couple of chive plants in my back yard and they did just fine and were easy to take care of. Starting a couple of years ago the "leaves", (stems?), of the chives have gotten narrower and flatter and have lost their oniony flavor. Basically, they just taste like grass now, and the stems are completely flat- not hollow like they are supposed to be.
What do you think happened?

David

ANSWER: David:
Do you cut the plant back every year? Or is it possible that it actually is grass that has simply taken over where chives once were?
If you're not seeing any purple flowers that is probably the case.

Elyse


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We do cut it back in the winter. And it's planted where no other grass is and we keep out the weeds so it's not just grass. And it is blooming with the purple flowers so it is still chives

Answer
Interesting. I really can't say what the problem might be. Garlic chives have flat leaves, like grass, but they are also larger than "regular" chives, and have a distinct garlic smell and taste. If your weather is hot, like ours, that could be effecting the taste. Give them a taste or smell early in the morning and see if you can detect chive flavor.

Otherwise, the only thing I can suggest is to dig out the plant and start again.