Wild garlic can be found in nature in many regions of Central Europe and harvested for use in the kitchen. If the site conditions are suitable, the plant can also be planted in the garden.
Where can you find wild garlic in nature?
Wild garlic grows primarily in deciduous forests in Central Europe, especially in alpine locations and in the foothills of the Alps. It prefers shady to semi-shady locations with humus-rich, moist and lime-rich soils, such as those found in alluvial forests.
Find occurrences of wild garlic in nature
Since wild garlic likes to grow in shade or partial shade, the largest occurrences are usually found in the deciduous forests of Central Europe. Basically, it occurs more frequently in alpine locations and in the foothills of the Alps than, for example, in northern Germany. Wild garlic also thrives on lime-rich soils and spreads particularly well in alluvial forests, as this is where it finds the necessary soil moisture over the long term. As soon as the wild garlic has found the right conditions in one place, such as humus-rich and not too dry soil, it spreads widely on the forest floor. After a few years, these deposits can take over entire clearings and depressions in the forest. The easiest time to find wild garlic is in April and May, when the white wild garlic flowers rise between the fresh green leaves. In addition to the garlic-like smell of the leaves, the flowers are also an important clue to avoid confusion with poisonous counterparts.
The right place for wild garlic in the garden
With a little luck and the right choice of location in the shade under deciduous trees and bushes, wild garlic can also thrive in your own garden. The soil should be as rich in humus as possible and always slightly moist, but not particularly waterlogged. When planning, keep in mind that wild garlic can multiply significantly over time under good conditions. If your garden is a fenced-in property, you don't have to worry as much about fox tapeworm when you grow your own wild garlic as you do when you plant wild garlic.
What you should know about growing wild garlic in the garden
There are different ways to grow wild garlic in the garden:
- planting wild garlic plants
- planting wild garlic onions
- sowing wild garlic seeds
Plants and bulbs purchased from specialist retailers must be planted deep enough in the selected outdoor location. Wild garlic can be sown in summer or autumn either with purchased seeds or withered wild garlic inflorescences from the forest.
Tips & Tricks
After sowing fresh seeds, it can sometimes take up to two years for wild garlic seeds to germinate. After that, you should protect the stock and let it multiply before you harvest it for the kitchen.
