• Tasty culinary herb
• Good for a shady area
• Spreading perennial
• Edible flowers

In spring, there is the all-pervading smell of garlic in the woods colonised by this herb and it is often an indicator of ancient woodland. Also known as ransoms, this is a delicious herb to grow and use.

Plant Care

• Height: 30-60cm
• Type: Hardy
• Aspect: Sun
• Soil: Any/alkaline
• Flower colour: White
• Flowering period: April-May

Wild garlic is best planted under deciduous trees, where they can enjoy a little bit of light in early spring before the leaf canopy closes in above them. Although they enjoy the dryness and well-drained soil in woodlands, they need adequate rainfall to grow successfully, which is why you find them carpeting the floor in the West Country, but only small pockets of them inthe South East. Luckily they grow very well in pots and produce plenty of leaves and flowers for culinary dishes.

Usage

The first spring leaves of wild garlic arethe most tender and specially good to eat raw shredded into salads. As the plant gets a little older the leaves are a little tougher respond well to the lightest of cookingby adding to mashed potatoes, omelettes, and soups. The bigger leaves can be used as a wrap around fishbefore cooking and added to stir fries and bean dishes.