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Field garlic

Allium oleraceum · Amaryllidaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant field garlic: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
June to July
Adult size
30 to 60 cm in height
Growth
Moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy (-15°C)
Origin
Central and southern Europe
Soil type
Well-draining, rocky

Care

Exposure

Plant your field garlic in full sun to encourage generous flowering and optimal development. It tolerates lightly shaded situations but will flower less abundantly. An airy location prevents issues with stagnant moisture.

Soil and planting

Choose light, well-draining soil that is low in nutrient demands. Plant the bulbs in autumn (September to November) at a depth of 10-15 cm, spaced 15 cm apart. This garlic tolerates poor and rocky soils well.

Watering

Water moderately after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, field garlic requires only occasional watering during dry periods. Reduce watering as summer approaches to allow the bulbs to prepare for dormancy.

Fertilizing

Field garlic is undemanding. An application of decomposed compost at planting time is generally sufficient. Avoid overly rich fertilizers that promote foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and cutting

No pruning is necessary. You can remove spent flowers to improve appearance, but leave the foliage in place until it completely dries out so the bulbs strengthen.

Diseases and pests

Very resistant, this garlic is rarely affected by diseases. In overly wet soil, bulb rot may occur: ensure impeccable drainage. No specific pests really threaten it.

Did you know?

Field garlic is a traditional wild plant of Europe that once graced natural meadows. Its name "oleraceum" literally means "resembling a vegetable," as its miniature bulbs and leaves were once harvested as a food source by rural populations. Today, modern gardeners are fascinated by its delicate pink or cream-white umbels and its role as a nectar plant.

Where to buy it

Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.