This perennial herb may have an upright stem and produces editable bulbs and grey green long linear leaves and forms a small clump. It has small pinkish flowers or bulblets that appear in a rounded cluster above the foliage from early to midsummer.

Hardiness zones 3 to 9

Allium sativumis thought to be naturally found in Central Asia but due to cultivation its origin has become obscure and is not truly known in a wild situation. It has been cultivated for thousands of years by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans as a food for medicinal purposes.

It prefers a protected sunny position from sea level to an altitude of 4,900 m (16,00 ft)and grows in well drained fertile moist sandy to light clay loam with a pH range from 4.5 to 8.0 and is frost and drought tolerant.

Garlic is grown for its edible bulbs, leaves and flower stems. It is planted in small or herb gardens in rows or cultivated in commercial farms. It is also grown in pots or tubs and the edible bulbs are commonly used for culinary purposes or for herbal remedies.

It is suitable for coastal and mountainous regions and establishes in 1-2 years and is moderately long-lived. Garlic can be harvested up to three times a year from spring to early summer or during summer and autumn depending on planting time. ID 2901

Allium (AH-lee-um) sativum(sa-TEE-vum)

Alliaceae(AH-lee- AY-see-ee)
Onion family