Allium ursinum
wild garlic (syn. Allium ursinum)
Commonly known as wild garlic, the aromatic leaves of this fast-growing perennial can be eaten and used to flavour salads or sauces - or even as a substitute for pesto! Not only are the leaves edible, but the flowers are also pretty, and they will help attract beneficial insects.
A British native, Allium ursinum is often found colonising deciduous woodland and hedgerows where it puts on an impressive display when in full bloom in mid-spring.
A British native, Allium ursinum is often found colonising deciduous woodland and hedgerows where it puts on an impressive display when in full bloom in mid-spring.
How to care for Allium ursinum:
Wild garlic prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland-style planting or under deciduous trees and shrubs. Plant between 15-30cm (6-12in) apart. Once established, it can spread quite freely, so it's best to keep it contained if you don't want it to naturalise. If it becomes too vigorous, clumps can be lifted and divided in autumn or early spring.
In early spring, as growth begins, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support healthy foliage and flower development. Water during dry spells, especially in the first year after planting. Allow the leaves to die back naturally after flowering, as this helps feed the bulbs for the following year. Only tidy up once the foliage has fully withered to avoid weakening the plants.
In early spring, as growth begins, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support healthy foliage and flower development. Water during dry spells, especially in the first year after planting. Allow the leaves to die back naturally after flowering, as this helps feed the bulbs for the following year. Only tidy up once the foliage has fully withered to avoid weakening the plants.
Sowing instructions:
Sow the seed up to 2cm deep where you want them to grow at any time of the year. Alternatively, sow them shallowly in seed trays in trays in autumn and maintain temperatures at approximately 20C for 2-4 weeks. Then, place the seed tray in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame throughout the winter. The warmer temperatures in spring should then trigger the germination process and the seedlings can be planted out.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.4m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Pets: TOXIC if eaten
9cm pot
£6.99
available to order from autumn
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approx 40 seeds
£2.99
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(shipped within 2-3 working days)
3 × 9cm pots
£17.99
£6.00 each
available to order from autumn
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