Allium vineale aka Wild Garlic
Taxonomy
Allium vineale, also known as wild garlic, onion grass, crow garlic, or stag's garlic, is a clump-forming, bulbous perennial plant. Native to Europe, northwestern Africa, and the Middle East, it has spread to Australia and North America, where it has become an invasive and troublesome weed. This plant grows up to 40cm tall, with reed-like hollow leaves. During late spring and summer, it produces dense clusters of small, dark red bulbils at the top of stiff stems. Each bulbil gives rise to a twisted, light green stem that gradually develops dark red tinges. Field garlic, another name for Allium vineale, is a cool-season perennial that emerges in the fall and enters dormancy after flowering in early summer. It is a common lawn weed found in various soils, including heavy clay, and thrives in partial to full sun.
Common names
Wild Garlic, Wild Onion, Field GarlicHow to care for Wild Garlic
Water
Wild Garlic should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Wild 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
Wild Garlic requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Wild Onion is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Wild Garlic is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
The Wild Garlic does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Wild Garlic should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
The Wild Garlic is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.
Region of origin
Wild 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
