Wild Garlic, Field Garlic
allium vineale
Also known as: ["Crow Garlic","Gypsy Garlic"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant with slender, hollow leaves and small, greenish flowers in a spherical umbel. It is known for its strong garlic odor.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Allium |
| Botanical Name: | Allium vineale |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden beds or naturalized areas in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but performs best with moderate fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or when foliage begins to yellow and die back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or spent parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to full sun to prevent leaf scorch. In hot climates, afternoon shade can prevent stress. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense midday sun; monitor for signs of sunburn or etiolation.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold winters down to -20°F (-29°C) but requires a period of dormancy.
Protect from frost heave in winter; avoid planting in areas with intense reflected heat; ensure good air circulation in warm weather.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; apply fertilizer to the soil surface, not directly on bulbs; cease fertilization during dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or seed propagation. Division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs when dormant.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly until established.
- For seeds, sow shallowly and keep moist.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall after foliage dies back. Sow seeds in fall for overwintering or spring for faster germination.
Environment
Warm, well-drained environment with bright light but protection from intense afternoon sun.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix, such as cactus mix or regular potting soil with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly in the growing season (1–2 months). Seeds may take 1–2 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife (for dividing bulbs), labels (for seedlings).
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; store seeds in a cool, dry place until sowing.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base with clean shears. Allow foliage to die back naturally to nourish the bulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required. Remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development and tidiness.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only dead or spent parts; avoid cutting green foliage prematurely.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall when the plant is dormant.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches if repotting in a container.
Method
Carefully lift the bulbs, separate any overcrowded ones, and replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot only if bulbs become overcrowded or the plant outgrows its container. Generally, Allium vineale is best grown in-ground.
Checklist
Lift bulbs gently; inspect for damage or disease; replant at the same depth; use fresh soil.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is moist to a depth of 6–8 inches. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter dormancy. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or bulb rot in overly cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but do not typically harm the plant unless combined with excessive moisture, which can cause bulb rot.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging in cold weather. Mulch around bulbs in winter to insulate against extreme cold.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to yellow or wilt, reducing bulb development and flower production.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply but infrequently to maintain soil moisture without waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid high nitrogen; stop during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of bulbs.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicAllium vineale is toxic to cats due to its sulfur compounds, which damage red blood cells and can cause hemolytic anemia. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds, and even small ingestions can be dangerous.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe sulfur compounds in Allium vineale are toxic to dogs, causing oxidative damage to red blood cells and leading to hemolytic anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, especially in small breeds or pets with pre-existing health conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAllium vineale contains compounds similar to those in garlic and onions, which can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. The toxicity is dose-dependent, with higher amounts causing more severe effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Allium vineale edible?
A: Yes, the bulbs and leaves are edible and have a strong garlic flavor, but they should be consumed in moderation due to their potency.
Q: How can I control Allium vineale in my garden?
A: Hand-pulling or digging out the bulbs is effective, as well as using mulch to suppress growth.
Q: Does Allium vineale attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and other pollinators due to its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
