Wild garlic (Allium vineale)

Also known as: Wild Garlic, Wild Onion

Allium vineale, also known as wild garlic or crow garlic, is generally not accepted as a substitute for common garlic due to its strong, pungent flavor and unpleasant aftertaste. Furthermore, it is considered invasive and can contaminate crops with its garlic-like taste. Its resistance to many herbicides also makes it problematic in agricultural settings.

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

30 cm to 70 cm

Spread

10 cm

Leaf Color

Green Gray Silver

Flower Size

2 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

White Pink Purple

Images of Wild garlic

Quickly Identify Wild garlic

Linear, hollow leaves emit onion-like scent when crushed.

Basal leaves are long, thin, and emit pungent garlic smell.

Umbel arrangement of small white to purple flowers.

Distinctive 3-celled capsule fruit turning tan at maturity.

Round, smooth green stem with papery leaf remnants.

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 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-77℉

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

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Wild garlic?

For Allium vineale, water thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. The soil should never be soggy; instead, aim for an environment where excess water drains effectively, maintaining a balance between moisture and aeration.

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 to 8 hours

Partial to full sun provides the optimal light range, enhancing growth and vigor. Ideal lighting fosters robust flowering and natural resilience, helping Allium vineale maintain its health and appearance across seasons.

Understanding Ideal Conditions ›

Solutions for Optimal Light ›

Benefits of Optimal Sunlight ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Wild garlic?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 77℉

Allium vineale thrives best within a temperature range of 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This range ensures optimal growth and development, allowing the plant to maintain its cellular functions efficiently. These temperatures mimic the spring and early summer conditions typical of its native habitats, promoting vigorous growth.

What Soil is Best for Wild garlic?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Sand soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Allium vineale thrives best in well-drained soils as it helps prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues. Proper drainage keeps the air and water balance in the soil optimal, promoting healthy root growth and ensuring the plant absorbs nutrients efficiently. This plant benefits greatly from soils rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These essential nutrients aid in robust bulb development and vigorous foliage growth, crucial for Allium vineale's survival and aesthetic appeal. While Allium vineale needs nutrients, overly fertile soils can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of bulb size. Moderate fertility supports balanced growth and healthier bulbs, maintaining the plant's distinctive onion-like characteristics.

How to Fertilize Wild garlic?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Allium vineale, commonly known as wild garlic, prefers a balanced approach to fertilization. Although not heavy feeders, they benefit from moderate application. For best results, apply about 1/4 cup of balanced, all-purpose granular fertilizer per plant during the active growing season.

How to Prune Wild garlic?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

To prune Allium vineale, begin by using clean, sharp shears. Identify any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves and stems, removing them at the base. This encourages new growth and prevents the plant from wasting energy on non-productive foliage. For optimal blooms, remove any faded flowers promptly. This process, known as deadheading, encourages Allium vineale to direct its energy towards producing new flowers, enhancing the plant's decorative appeal.

How to Propagate Wild garlic plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Before planting, ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least six inches and incorporate compost to enhance fertility. This provides a nurturing environment for new plants.

For seed propagation, sow seeds directly into the prepared soil after the last frost date in spring. Lightly cover them with soil and keep them moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within a few weeks.

To divide the plant, carefully dig up the mature Allium vineale during early spring. Separate the bulb clusters naturally or gently pull them apart, ensuring each division has a viable shoot and a portion of the root system before replanting immediately.

How to Repot Wild garlic plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Repotting Allium vineale is necessary when you notice reduced growth, roots emerging from drainage holes, or the soil drying out too quickly. These are telltale signs that the plant has outgrown its pot and needs more space to thrive.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one and has adequate drainage holes. Terracotta pots are great as they allow soil to breathe and prevent waterlogging, promoting plant health and reducing the risk of root rot.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix, ideally composed of equal parts of sand, peat moss, and loamy soil. This ensures good aeration and prevents water accumulation, vital for the healthy growth of Allium vineale.

Toxicity of Wild garlic

Is Wild garlic toxic to humans?

Wild garlic, while considered toxic upon consumption, typically presents with mild symptoms. Every component of the plant is harmful, and consuming it in significant amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and feelings of nausea. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should exercise caution when contemplating the consumption of this plant, given the unclear nature of its adverse effects. Some studies suggest that wild garlic may inhibit the blood clotting process; therefore, it is advisable to refrain from ingestion if you have a bleeding disorder or plan to have surgery.

Is Wild garlic toxic to cat?

Wild garlic poses a toxicity risk to felines, and exposure can occur through the unintended consumption of its different components such as flowers, leaves, roots, and stems. If a cat ingests wild garlic, it may exhibit signs of distress or illness, leading to the need for immediate veterinary care. It is crucial for cat owners to restrict their pets' access to wild garlic and to swiftly seek medical assistance at a veterinary clinic if there are suspicions of poisoning.

Is Wild garlic toxic to dog?

Wild garlic is regarded as a harmful plant for dogs. Accidental consumption of wild garlic can lead to poisoning in dogs, a scenario that is quite frequent since pets often chew on plants during their outdoor adventures or while investigating their surroundings. All parts of the wild garlic plant—flowers, leaves, roots, and stems—are hazardous, indicating that ingestion of any component can result in toxic effects. The severity of poisoning symptoms in dogs can vary; common signs include gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, and more serious reactions, depending on the quantity consumed. Dog owners must vigilantly supervise their pets and restrict their access to wild garlic. If poisoning is suspected, seeking immediate veterinary assistance is essential for effectively managing symptoms and maximizing the chances of recovery.

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.

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