The Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Society Garlic

Are you looking to add a unique, garlic-scented plant to your garden? Society garlic, with its delicate star-shaped flowers and grassy foliage, might just be the perfect addition! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for society garlic.

Table of Contents

Introducing Society Garlic

Society garlic, scientifically known as Tulbaghia violacea, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that hails from the rocky grasslands of eastern South Africa. Despite its name, society garlic is not part of the Allium genus of garlic and onions, but rather belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes onions. The plant earned its unique moniker due to the rumor that it tastes like garlic without leaving you with bad breath.

Getting Started: Society Garlic Care

Growing society garlic is relatively low-maintenance, especially in USDA gardening zones 7 through 10. Here are some essential care tips to ensure your society garlic thrives:

Planting: Sow society garlic seeds in the spring once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. The seeds will germinate quickly, and the plants will reach flowering size in no time. Thin out the plants when they are about three inches tall and space them about 18 inches apart.
Location: Society garlic’s compact mounds of grassy leaves make it an ideal front-of-border specimen. Consider pairing it with darker foliage plants like black mondo grass for a striking contrast. Be aware that the leaves emit a strong garlic scent when brushed, making it ideal for low-traffic areas.
Light: While society garlic can tolerate partial shade, it thrives best in sunnier spots. For abundant flower displays, plant it in full sun.
Soil: Provide society garlic with light, sandy soil that has a pH between 6.8 and 7.5. The plant prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Water: Water society garlic deeply but infrequently, especially during droughts. Avoid overwatering, as the tubers are prone to rot in soggy conditions. During the growing season, water regularly, allow the soil to dry slightly during blooming, and almost completely dry out during winter dormancy.
Fertilizer: Work in organic compost or a general-purpose fertilizer into the soil in early spring to enhance drainage and encourage flowering.
Temperature and Humidity: Established society garlic plants can tolerate extended droughts, moderate frosts, and light freezes. Remove any frost-damaged foliage promptly.

Utilizing Society Garlic

Apart from its ornamental value, society garlic offers culinary and practical uses:

Culinary: Society garlic is often sold as an herb and adds a unique garlic flavor to salads, soups, and various dishes. The greens can be cooked like chives, and the bulbs can substitute traditional garlic. Don’t forget to garnish your culinary creations with the beautiful society garlic flowers!
Pest Repellent: Crushed society garlic leaves can be rubbed on the skin to repel pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

Society Garlic Varieties

Explore different varieties of society garlic to add diversity to your garden:

‘Silver Lace’
‘Variegata’
‘Tricolor’

Propagating and Repotting

Expand your society garlic collection through propagation:

Division: Divide mature clumps every two to three years, preferably in late autumn or early winter. Separate the sections by hand and replant them at the same depth.
Potting: In colder regions, grow society garlic in containers for easy winter protection. Ensure the plants receive ample sunlight and bring them indoors before the first frost.

Combatting Pests and Diseases

While society garlic plants are generally pest-resistant when grown outdoors, indoor or greenhouse plants may attract aphids or whiteflies. Treat infestations by syringing the plant with water and using insecticidal soap. Additionally, create a barrier of crushed eggshells around outdoor plants to deter pests.

With proper care and attention, your society garlic will flourish and enhance your garden with its unique beauty and garlic-scented allure. Incorporate these tips into your gardening routine to cultivate a thriving society garlic patch that will captivate both your senses and your guests. Happy gardening!