Allium ampeloprasum aka Broadleaf Wild Leek

Taxonomy

Allium ampeloprasum, also known as wild leek or broadleaf wild leek, is a member of the onion genus Allium. Native to southern Europe to western Asia, it is cultivated in many places and has become naturalized in various countries. Its native range includes countries bordering the Black, Adriatic, and Mediterranean Seas, as well as Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Iraq. It is considered naturalized in several countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and Australia, among others. In tidewater Virginia, it is protected by law. Allium ampeloprasum has been differentiated into five cultivated vegetables, including leek, elephant garlic, pearl onion, kurrat, and Persian leek. The wild populations produce bulbs up to 3 cm across, with scapes reaching up to 180 cm tall and bearing an umbel of up to 500 flowers. The flowers are urn-shaped, with white, pink, or red tepals and yellow or purple anthers. As a deciduous, bulbous perennial, it can be grown as an ornamental or annual vegetable, producing mid-green strap-shaped leaves and dense spherical heads of white flowers in mid to late summer. Elephant Garlic, a relative of Allium ampeloprasum, is a rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and does not typically require added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size. Native to Macronesia, the Mediterranean, and Asia, it belongs to the Allium genus.

Common names

Broadleaf Wild Leek, Wild Leek, Great Headed Garlic, Elephant Garlic, Great Round Headed Leek

How to care for Broadleaf Wild Leek

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Broadleaf Wild Leek due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Broadleaf Wild Leek should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Broadleaf Wild Leek loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Broadleaf Wild Leek thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Elephant Garlic.

Toxicity

Broadleaf Wild Leek is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Broadleaf Wild Leek does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Broadleaf Wild Leek has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Broadleaf Wild Leek grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Broadleaf Wild Leek’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia