A lush carpet of tasty wild garlic would be a wonderful addition to any garden, but who wouldn’t want it? For those of you who are interested in cultivating wild garlic at home, the following are the answers to four questions that are frequently asked about this expensive springtime delicacy.
It is only during the springtime that wild garlic, which is also known as ramson, can be harvested. This can be done either by foraging in the wild (which is very common in Sweden) or by cultivating the garlic.
Because the harvest period is so brief, every single part of the plant, including the leaves, buds, flowers, and stalks, will be harvested. This is a very wonderful time of the year, and I believe that any grower that is excited about their hobby would agree with me.
Since the beginning of spring, I have been inundated with inquiries concerning wild garlic. By this point, you may already be aware that in addition to the vegetable gardens that I have at home, I also run my very own flower farm and nursery. (If you are in the vicinity, I would appreciate it if you could pay me a visit at the nursery; if you are interested in learning more about Skillnaden’s Flower Farm and Nursery, they can be found here.)
The wild garlic that we sell at my nursery comes in pots and is ready to be transplanted into the garden. This beautiful little plant has been making a lot of sales, and I can certainly understand why that is the case.
Due to the fact that one of my customers frequently asks me a lot of questions about wild garlic and how to cultivate it at home, I have decided to write about the four questions that are asked the most frequently about it here.
1. Where Does It Tend To Flourish?
Those parts of the garden that are shaded and have damp soil are ideal for the growth of wild garlic. The soil should ideally be rich and have a significant amount of humus, similar to what you would find in a woodland region where leaves spontaneously decompose on top of the soil. Choose a spot that is not directly exposed to intense sunlight.
Due to the fact that the plants can mature at varying rates, I would recommend that you try planting it in a few different locations (provided that you have sufficient space, of course). With this, of course, you will be able to harvest it for an even longer period of time.
There are two areas in my garden where I cultivate plants: one is under the root cellar, where there is complete shade, and the other is in the kitchen garden, where there are currant bushes. Most of the time, they are in the shade, but there is some sunlight surrounding them.
2. How Do You Set Up Wild Garlic Plants?
It is best to plant wild garlic in a deep hole so that the bulbs can be shielded from the elements by a substantial covering of soil. Attempt to bury them at a depth of approximately 10 to 15 centimeters (3-6 inches).
The soil does not require any additional components, such as lime, fertilizer, sand, or anything else of the sort. Nevertheless, if the soil in your garden is really compact, you could want to lighten it and also insert some planting soil that is porous.
This will ensure that the seedlings have a successful start in soil that is loose. You should plant your bulbs in groups of approximately three in a single location.
3. Does It Easily Spread?
When it is in an appropriate location, wild garlic will spread out, although this process can take some time. If the conditions are favorable, the plant will progressively reproduce by producing small side bulbs and fresh seeds.
Otherwise, it can have a more difficult time growing and spreading throughout the area.
It is possible for us to turn the plant’s obvious preferences into a competitive advantage. For instance, I have been cultivating wild garlic in the kitchen garden under the currant bushes for more than a decade without it spreading into the walks or adjoining beds. This is because the temperature and sunlight levels in that area are simply too high.
You will hopefully be able to enjoy wild garlic for a considerable amount of time if you are able to successfully establish it in your garden in a location where it flourishes. However, there is such a thing as overdoing a good thing.
It is important to exercise caution while planting wild garlic in your garden so that it does not suffocate other plants while you are working with it.
4. I Need To Know How Many Plants I Need?
You should make an investment in a large number of plants if you want to create enough of a thriving plant to harvest leaves for your cookery within a few years. When they first appear, they do not spread very quickly, and it takes some time for them to multiply.
When I planted wild garlic for the very first time, I planted a total of 25 bulbs in two distinct areas.
Planting Garlic That Is Wild
It is recommended that you put the bulbs of wild garlic in your garden either in the spring, when the leaves and flower stems begin to appear, or in the fall, when the entire plant is dormant. This will ensure the best possible growth of the wild garlic.
It is more difficult to plant them during the summer, when the soil may be dry, which makes it more difficult for the plant to establish itself in the correct manner.
What about the flavor, by the way? The wild garlic that we use in our kitchen is more often than not utilized as a leafy green rather than merely as a flavoring.
It has a flavor that is harmonious and wonderful, combining onion and garlic. Eating it raw, incorporating it into salads, cooking it and serving it as a side dish, or using it as a general taste enhancer are all options.
In the spring, however, it can also be used as a substitute for other types of onions, and it can simply be used as an ingredient in a variety of meals. Allow your imagination to run wild! It tastes the best to me when it is fresh, or even better, when it is frozen.
Good luck to you!