Which Pollinators are Suitable for Wild Garlic?

Bloom Time

Summer

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Butterflies, Beetles

How Does Pollination Occur in Wild Garlic?

Wild garlic's flower type is a drooping umbel of bell-shaped flowers. These can be green, purple or pinkish in color, producing nectar and scent that appeal to pollinators. Each umbel has multiple small flowers, facilitating pollination.

In wild garlic, pollination primarily occurs through cross-pollination aided by insects and wind. Self-pollination can occur but is less common.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Wild Garlic?

Plant Diversity

Increasing plant diversity can attract a wider range of pollinators. Planting different types of flowering plants that bloom at different times throughout the season will help ensure there are always flowers available for the bees, butterflies and beetles.

Water Sources

Providing water sources such as shallow dishes of water or a garden pond can attract bees, butterflies and beetles. Moreover, it will provide a necessary resource for these pollinators, ensuring they remain healthy and capable of pollinating the wild garlic.

Pesticides

Reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides can provide a safe environment for the primary and potential pollinators. Pesticides can be harmful or lethal to pollinators, so adopting organic or integrated pest management strategies is recommended.

Garden Structures

Providing garden structures such as bee hotels, butterfly houses, or beetle banks can provide suitable habitats for these pollinators. A dedicated space for these pollinators to establish colonies increases the chance of recurring visits and successful pollination.

How Can You Determine if Wild Garlic has Been Pollinated?

Flower Cluster Formation

Observe wild garlic's flowers for the formation of dense clusters. Successful pollination often results in noticeable clusters signaling the initiation of seed production.

Fruit Development

After successful pollination, wild garlic will start developing bulblets or fruit as a sign of successful seed setting.

Pollen Dispersal

Wild garlic has visible pollen on the anthers of their flowers after flowering. If the pollen has been used or is absent, pollination may have taken place.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Wild Garlic

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Wild Garlic?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush can be used to transfer pollen from the male flower to the female flower.

Gloves

Essential to protect your skin and prevent any unwanted materials from interfering with the pollen.

Hand Pruner

Needed for pruning tasks, if you need to remove some unnecessary plant components while pollinating.

Water Spray Bottle

Good for gently sprinkling water onto the flowers if they appear dry.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Wild Garlic?

Wild garlic typically flowers around July and August. Hand-pollination should ideally occur in the morning when the pollen is most fertile. Don't attempt if the weather is very windy, rainy, or exceptionally hot.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Wild Garlic

Step1: Collecting Pollen

Use the small brush to carefully collect pollen from the anthers of wild garlic's flowers. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plant.

Step2: Transferring Pollen

Carefully and lightly touch or brush the pollen onto the stigma of the same or other wild garlic flowers. Make sure the stigma comes into contact with a generous amount of pollen.

Step3: Repeating Process

Repeat this process for all flowers you want to pollinate. It's a good idea to pollinate multiple flowers to increase the chances of successful pollination.

Step4: Caring Post-Pollination

After pollination, keep the plant in ideal growing conditions. Too much heat or lack of water can hinder the pollination process.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Wild Garlic Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Limited Pollinators

If pollination is unsuccessful, there might be shortage of insect pollinators. You can introduce more pollinators, like bees, or hand-pollinate manually.

Poor Flowering

When wild garlic exhibits reduced blooming, it could denote inadequate lighting. Ensure this plant is under full sunlight for best flowering potential.

Excessive Fertilizer Use

Over-fertilizing can lead to lush growth without flowers; and consequently, no pollination. Regulate the amount of fertilizer used for balanced growth.