Allium sativum aka Garlic

Taxonomy

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species of bulbous flowering plant belonging to the Allium genus and native to South Asia, Central Asia, and northeastern Iran. It has been used as a seasoning and traditional medicine for several thousand years, with China producing 76% of the world's supply. A close relative of the onion, garlic is an edible, bulbous plant with over 600 sub-varieties available. It has long, narrow flat leaves, white flowers on a tall stalk, and an edible, strongly scented bulb divided into bulbets or cloves contained in a whitish skin. Garlic is a popular houseplant that is quite easy to grow and needs regular watering. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It likes soil that is well draining and typically does not need extra fertilizer if it is repotted regularly. However, it is important to note that garlic is not safe to consume and can be harmful to pets and children, so it should be kept out of reach.

Common names

Garlic, Hardneck Garlic, Pskem River Garlic, Garlick, Cultivated Garlic

How to care for Garlic

Difficulty

Garlic presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Garlic should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Garlic 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Garlic prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Garlic to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

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

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Garlic. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Garlic is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Garlic grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Garlic’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia