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 GarlicHow 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
Garlic 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 Pskem River Garlic.
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
More Species in Allium Genus
Allium commutatum Sea Garlic
Allium akaka
Allium scorodoprasum Spanish Garlic
Allium sphaerocephalon Ball Head Onion
Allium parvum Small Onion
Allium pendulinum Italian Garlic
Allium neapolitanum White Garlic
Allium giganteum Giant Onion
Allium ramosum Fragrant Garlic
