Society Garlic

If you really love plants and precisely take interest in gardening, then this article is for you. Those of you who love to raise flowering and ornamental plants would have surely heard of society garlic, have you? Well, firstly, this plant is in no way related to garlic! Society garlic owns leaves which have a peculiar smell very similar to that of garlic clove and thus have been named aptly! Scientifically termed as Tulbaghia violacea, these ornamental plants can surely beautify your backyard with their presence! So, if you wish to know more on them, then keep reading. This article elaborates on much more about these unique ornamental plants.

If you notice the morphology of these plants, these are typically perennial species growing up to a height of approx. 2 feet. The stalks of the plants (stems) are greenish gray in color topped with a cluster of purple colored flowers (around 8 - 20). Flowers are initially pink in color, however turn purple on maturation. They look very amusing since they have a star-shaped appearance and are slender with 6 petals each. Leaves are many in number, green, have a sword like appearance, and they are pointed (a foot). A local species in South Africa for many years now, society garlic is basically a summer plant.

If you are planning to buy this plant and raise it, you need to know the tips and what all it takes to keep them healthy. Any plant species requires certain conditions for optimum growth which you need to maintain if you want them to adapt in an environment other than their habitat. Take a look at the factors affecting their growth.

Climate
Society garlic is adaptable to tropical as well as mild climatic conditions but grows best in summers. They easily adjust to severe hot climates as well humid conditions and can tolerate a temperature as low as 20 degree F. These are preferred mainly because of their excellent adaptability.

Sun
As I mentioned, these plants grow in summers until the fall season arrives. Since these are highly active during summers, they require an essentially high amount of sunshine for optimum growth and reproduction. So try to keep them in best possible light conditions only after which they will bloom.

Water
Society garlic requires an adequate amount of water for growth. Though they can adjust in drought conditions, they require their share of water supply. But be sure you do not over flood these.

Soil
Society garlic requires a very porous, soft soil through which water can easily pass. If you planning to pot the plant, then you have to take this factor into consideration. Also, otherwise, see to it that you loosen the soil before planting the seeds in your patio or backyard.

Pruning
Since their resting period is the winters, you need to undertake the pruning of these plants during the course. Winters is the best time to remove all the brown and dead foliage by handpicking because the plant is dormant during this time of the year.

This was important and useful information about society garlic. Now since the leaves have a garlic aroma, they can be used in food recipes too, however, people prefer conventional garlic always. As you must have realized, these do not require much of your attention and are flexible towards many factors as well. If you want a flowering plant in your backyard, patio or balcony, and if you planning to buy these, then there are many plant nurseries which would help you. Alternatively, you can shop for them online as well.