Wild garlic can be found in nature in many regions of Central Europe and harvested for use in the kitchen. With suitable site conditions, the plant can also be planted in the garden.

Find occurrences of wild garlic in nature

Since the wild garlic likes to grow in the shade or semi-shade, the largest occurrences are usually found in the deciduous forests of Central Europe. In principle, it occurs more frequently in alpine locations and in the foothills of the Alps than, for example, in northern Germany. Wild garlic also thrives on calcareous soils and spreads particularly strongly in alluvial forests, as it finds the necessary soil moisture here over the long term. As soon as the wild garlic has found the right conditions in one place, such as humus-rich and not too dry soil, it spreads widely on the forest floor. After a few years, these deposits can cover entire clearings and depressions in the forest. The easiest time to find wild garlic is in April and May, when the white wild garlic flowers rise between the fresh green leaves. In addition to the garlic-like smell of the leaves, the flowers are also an important clue to prevent confusion with poisonous doubles.

The right place for wild garlic in the garden

With a bit of luck and the right choice of location in the shade under deciduous trees and shrubs, wild garlic can also thrive in your own garden. The soil should be as humus-rich as possible and always slightly moist, but not have any pronounced waterlogging. When planning, keep in mind that wild garlic can multiply rapidly over time under good conditions. If your garden is a fenced plot, you don't have to worry as much about fox tapeworms with wild garlic that you've grown yourself than with wild-collected plants.

Worth knowing about the settlement of wild garlic in the garden

There are different ways to grow wild garlic in the garden:

  • planting wild garlic plants
  • planting wild garlic bulbs
  • the sowing of wild garlic seeds

Plants and bulbs purchased from specialist retailers must be planted deep enough at the selected outdoor location. Wild garlic can be sown in summer or autumn either with purchased seeds or withered wild garlic inflorescences from the forest.

tips and tricks

After sowing fresh seeds, it can sometimes take up to two years for wild garlic to germinate. After that, you should protect the stock and let it multiply before you harvest it for the kitchen.

Category:

Herbs