Description
Wild garlic (Allium ursinum), also known as ramsons, is a beloved native plant in the UK, prized for its lush green leaves and delicate garlic aroma. Allium ursinum is a bulbous perennial flowering plant in the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae. It is native to Eurasia, where it grows in moist woodland.Often found carpeting woodland floors in spring, this perennial herb is easy to grow in your garden, offering both culinary rewards and a touch of wild beauty. Here’s how to cultivate your own patch of wild garlic.
Choosing the Right Location:
Wild garlic thrives in conditions mimicking its natural woodland habitat. Opt for a shady or partially shaded spot, such as under deciduous trees or along north-facing borders. It prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter—mix in compost or leaf mould to boost fertility. While it tolerates a range of soil types, slightly acidic to neutral pH levels are ideal.
Care and Maintenance:
– Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging.
– Mulching: Apply leaf mulch in autumn to retain moisture and mimic woodland conditions.
– Feeding: Not usually required if planted in rich soil. A light compost top-up in spring can help.
– Control: Wild garlic spreads via bulbs and seeds. Remove flower heads after blooming if you want to limit self-seeding.
Harvesting:
Leaves are best picked in spring (March–June) before flowers bloom. Harvest sparingly in the first year to allow plants to establish. Snip leaves at the base, leaving bulbs intact for regrowth. Flowers (April–June) are also edible—add to salads for a mild garlic kick.
Important Notes:
– Identification: Ensure you’re harvesting true wild garlic. Its broad, glossy leaves and white star-shaped flowers differ from toxic lookalikes eg lily of the valley. Crush a leaf to confirm its garlic scent. Our plants are grown from confirmed cultivated stock.
– Sustainability: Never uproot wild plants from natural habitats.
– Legal Considerations: Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it’s illegal to uproot Allium ursinum in the wild. Obviously you can do what you want with the plants in your own garden!
Culinary Enjoyment:
Use fresh leaves in pestos, soups, or as a spinach substitute. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze chopped leaves for year-round use. Pair with spring lamb, asparagus or fresh goat’s cheese for a delicious spring flavour. Our favourite Wild garlic recipes can be found here.
Final Tips:
Wild garlic is low-maintenance once established, returning yearly with vibrant green foliage. Perfect for shady gardens or wildflower patches, it also attracts pollinators. With patience and the right spot, you’ll enjoy a seasonal bounty of this quintessentially British herb.
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Syn:
Common Names: wild garlic, ramsons, cowleekes, cows’s leek, cowleek, buckrams, broad-leaved garlic, wood garlic, bear leek, Eurasian wild garlic or bear’s garlic
Native: UK, Europe & Asia
Height x Spread: 50cm x 100cm (19″ x 39″)
Soil Type: Moist but Well Drained
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Aspect: Shady, Woodland
UK Hardiness: Hardy
Flowering Time: April, May, June
Flower Colour: White
Foliage Colour: Green
Type: Deciduous Bulb
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