Wild garlic (Allium canadense)

Also known as: Wild onion, Canadian garlic

Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are a perennial herb commonly grown in North American gardens. Known for their strong onion-like smell and garlic flavor, they are a popular culinary choice. However, they can lead to indigestion in young children or with chronic ingestion.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Wild garlic

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

0 mm to 30 cm

Spread

10 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Pink Purple

Images of Wild garlic

Quickly Identify Wild garlic

Clumps of slender, grass-like foliage.

Umbel of star-shaped flowers or bulblets.

Bulbous seed capsules less than 1 inch.

Linear, flat leaves with smooth margins.

Stiff, round stem reaching 1-2 feet.

Scientific Classification of Wild garlic

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagales

Family

Amaryllis

Genus

Onions

Species

Wild garlic

Planting and Growing of Wild garlic

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Wild garlic?

For Allium canadense, ensure the soil remains moderately moist without becoming soggy. When watering, use approximately 250 milliliters of water, allowing it to soak through and reach the plant's roots effectively. The principle here is to maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, avoiding fluctuations that can stress the plant.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Wild garlic? ›

What should I do if my Wild garlic is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Wild garlic? ›

How to save an overwatered Wild garlic? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Wild garlic?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Allium canadense thrives best in full sun to partial sun environments. This ideal light range supports strong growth, enhances blooming, and increases the plant's resistance to pests.

What is the best location for Allium canadense? ›

How can I maximize light exposure for healthy growth? ›

What are the benefits of achieving ideal light conditions? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Wild garlic?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Allium canadense thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range allows the plant to efficiently carry out photosynthesis and other metabolic activities, providing optimal growth conditions. Ensuring a stable environment within this temperature range supports healthy foliage and flowering.

What Soil is Best for Wild garlic?

Soil type: Loam, Clay soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Allium canadense thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents waterlogging and root rot. Proper drainage allows for sufficient air circulation around the roots, promoting healthy plant growth. The plant benefits from nutrient-rich soil, as it ensures vigorous growth and flowering. A good balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is crucial, and incorporating organic matter like compost can enhance soil fertility. While this plant doesn't tolerate waterlogged conditions, it does require moderate moisture. Mulching can help retain moisture and provide a steady water supply, especially during dry spells.

How to Fertilize Wild garlic?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Allium canadense is not a heavy feeder. A light application of a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 can be applied at the beginning of the growing season. Ensure to dilute liquid fertilizers to half-strength to avoid root burn. A tablespoon of slow-release granules per plant is also adequate.

How to Prune Wild garlic?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by removing any dead or yellowing leaves. Cut these back to the base of the plant. This step is crucial in maintaining the plant’s overall health and appearance. Once the flowers have bloomed and faded, trim the flower stalks. This encourages the plant to focus its energy on foliage growth and bulb development. If any stems appear leggy or are growing in an unwanted direction, trim them back to maintain a compact, tidy shape. This can help the plant allocate resources more effectively.

How to Propagate Wild garlic plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Begin by filling a seed tray with a well-draining potting mix. Sprinkle Allium canadense seeds evenly across the surface and cover them lightly with soil. Water the tray gently to avoid disturbing the seeds.

Identify a healthy, mature Allium canadense plant for division. Ensure the plant is not in active bloom. Water the plant thoroughly a day before to ease the process of lifting and dividing.

Carefully dig around the base of the plant using a garden fork. Lift the plant, and separate the bulbs or clumps gently. Replant them promptly, ensuring each division has sufficient roots.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Wild garlic plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Signs that Allium canadense needs repotting include roots circling the pot, crowded growth, and soil drying out too quickly. The best time to repot is during early spring or autumn when the plant is not actively growing. This timing helps minimize stress and allows the plant to establish its roots effectively.

Select a pot that's only one size larger than the current one, ensuring good drainage with holes at the bottom. A slightly bigger pot prevents excessive moisture retention, which could cause root rot. Consider a clay pot as it offers good air circulation to the roots, promoting healthy growth.

Opt for a well-draining sandy loam mix enriched with organic matter. This type of soil offers excellent drainage and sufficient moisture retention, which is crucial for preventing waterlogging while providing the nutrients Allium canadense needs. The organic content also fosters microbial activity essential for nutrient uptake.

Toxicity of Wild garlic

Is Wild garlic toxic to humans?

When fully matured, wild garlic emits a potent aroma akin to garlic and onion, which can be alluring to both children and unsuspecting adults alike. Every part of this plant contains sulfides that can be detrimental to human health if consumed. The ingestion of wild garlic typically leads to a range of digestive disturbances, including indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and severe colic. It is essential to keep children and individuals with cognitive impairments away from this plant.

Is Wild garlic toxic to cat?

Wild garlic is known to be toxic to cats. If cats happen to ingest any portion of wild garlic, whether it be flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, or stems, they are at risk of poisoning. Affected cats may show a range of symptoms that point to physical distress, which can also indicate a disturbance in their usual bodily functions. Given the serious implications of such situations, it is crucial to seek prompt veterinary assistance to ensure that affected felines receive the appropriate care and treatment. Noticing any unusual behaviors or signs of illness following exposure to wild garlic should be regarded as an urgent matter.

Is Wild garlic toxic to dog?

Wild garlic is recognized as a toxic species harmful to dogs. Accidental ingestion of this plant can lead to poisoning in dogs. The toxic components of wild garlic encompass its flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems; therefore, consuming any portion of the plant could result in potential toxicity. The symptoms of poisoning in dogs can vary widely and may include gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and more severe reactions depending on the quantity ingested. It is essential for dog owners to diligently watch over their pets and restrict their access to wild garlic. If there is any suspicion that a dog has consumed any part of wild garlic, seeking immediate veterinary assistance is vital to ensure the best possible outcome for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

More About Toxic Techniques→