Growing Wild Garlic - Garden and Allotment Tips and Advice

Growing Wild Garlic: A Complete Guide to Cultivating this Delicious Herb

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum), also known as ramsons or bear’s garlic, is a delicious and aromatic herb that grows naturally in woodlands and shady areas across the UK. Known for its distinctive garlic scent, wild garlic is a fantastic addition to any garden or allotment, offering both culinary and medicinal benefits. Growing wild garlic at home is easy and rewarding, allowing you to enjoy its unique flavor in dishes such as soups, salads, and pesto. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing wild garlic, from planting and care to harvesting and storing.

What Is Wild Garlic?

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) is a perennial plant native to the woodlands of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is typically found growing in shady, damp areas, often near streams or in moist woodland soil. Wild garlic is easily identified by its broad, green leaves and small, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in the spring. The plant’s leaves and flowers are edible and have a strong garlic flavor, making it a popular ingredient in wild food dishes.

Wild garlic has a long history of use in both cooking and herbal medicine, with its leaves and flowers being valued for their flavor and potential health benefits. Growing wild garlic at home is a simple and sustainable way to add a fresh garlic flavor to your meals without needing to grow traditional garlic bulbs.

Benefits of Growing Wild Garlic

Growing wild garlic in your garden or allotment offers a range of benefits:

1. Easy to Grow

Wild garlic is a hardy perennial that requires little maintenance once established. It thrives in shady, moist areas and doesn’t demand much attention, making it a great option for beginner gardeners.

2. Flavorful and Nutritious

Wild garlic leaves and flowers have a fresh, garlicky flavor, and they can be used in a variety of culinary dishes. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.

3. Attractive to Pollinators

Wild garlic’s white flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Planting wild garlic can help support local ecosystems and encourage biodiversity in your garden.

4. Low Maintenance

Once planted, wild garlic requires little care, making it a perfect plant for busy gardeners or those with limited gardening experience.

5. Sustainable and Perennial

Wild garlic is a perennial herb, meaning it will come back year after year, providing a reliable source of fresh garlic flavor in your garden. It also requires minimal water and can be grown without the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

When to Plant Wild Garlic

Wild garlic is typically planted in autumn or early spring in the UK, although it can also be grown from seed in the late spring or summer. Here’s when to plant based on the method you’re using:

1. Autumn Planting

Best Time: October to November
Planting wild garlic in autumn allows it to establish its roots over the winter, so it can begin sprouting in the spring. Autumn planting is ideal for bulbs, which can be planted directly in the ground.

2. Spring Planting

Best Time: March to April
Spring planting works well for wild garlic grown from seeds or small plants. Planting in the spring gives the plant a full growing season before it flowers and produces leaves.

How to Grow Wild Garlic

Growing wild garlic is straightforward, but it does require the right conditions to thrive. Here’s how to grow it successfully:

1. Choose the Right Location

Wild garlic thrives in shady or partially shaded areas, making it perfect for woodland gardens or the edges of shady paths. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types. The ideal location for wild garlic is near a stream, under trees, or in any area that mimics its natural woodland habitat.

2. Planting Wild Garlic from Bulbs

Wild garlic can be grown from bulbs, which are available at many garden centers. Bulbs are the easiest and most reliable way to grow wild garlic.

Prepare the Soil: Wild garlic prefers loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. You can improve your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Plant the Bulbs: Plant the bulbs about 5 cm (2 inches) deep in the soil, with the pointed end facing up. Space the bulbs 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) apart. Wild garlic can also be grown in pots or containers, provided they are large enough to allow for root growth.
Watering: After planting, water the bulbs well. Wild garlic prefers moist, well-drained soil but doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged conditions, so ensure the area has good drainage.

3. Growing Wild Garlic from Seeds

Wild garlic can also be grown from seeds, although this takes longer and requires more patience.

Sowing Seeds: Sow wild garlic seeds in seed trays or directly in the ground in late spring or summer. Plant the seeds about 1 cm (0.5 inches) deep and space them out to give the plants room to grow.
Watering: Keep the seeds moist until they germinate. Once they have sprouted, reduce watering slightly but continue to ensure the soil remains moist.

4. Care and Maintenance

Once planted, wild garlic requires very little attention. However, here are a few tips to keep your plants healthy:

Watering: Wild garlic enjoys moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers soil that is damp but well-drained.
Mulching: Applying a light mulch of organic matter can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. This is particularly important in areas with less rainfall.
Weeding: Keep the area free from weeds that can compete with the young wild garlic plants for nutrients and space.

5. Fertilizing

Wild garlic doesn’t require heavy fertilization. However, if the soil is poor, you can feed it with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost in early spring to encourage strong growth.

Harvesting Wild Garlic

Wild garlic is typically ready to harvest in spring when the leaves are tender and full of flavor. Here’s how to harvest it:

1. Harvesting the Leaves

The leaves of wild garlic can be harvested once they are fully grown, usually in April to May. Simply cut the leaves off at the base, leaving the roots intact so the plant can continue to grow.
Wild garlic leaves have a strong garlic flavor, and they can be used fresh in salads, soups, or sandwiches, or added to cooked dishes like pesto or stir-fries.

2. Harvesting the Flowers

Wild garlic flowers typically bloom in May or June. They are also edible and can be used to garnish dishes or made into flower-infused oils and vinegars.

3. Storing Wild Garlic

Fresh Leaves: Wild garlic leaves can be used fresh or stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by blanching them quickly in boiling water and then freezing them in an airtight container.
Pesto: Wild garlic is often used to make pesto, which can be stored in jars for several months in the fridge.

How to Store Wild Garlic

If you have an abundance of wild garlic, you can store it for later use:

1. Freezing:

Blanch wild garlic leaves in boiling water for a few seconds, then plunge them into ice water to preserve their color and flavor. Once cooled, store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months.

2. Making Wild Garlic Pesto:

Wild garlic pesto can be made and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen in ice cube trays for longer storage. Simply blend the wild garlic with olive oil, nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, and garlic.