Garlic - Allium sativum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Garlic

Also known as: Common garlic, Churl's treacle

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an extremely popular garden plant because of its use for flavoring dishes, as well as its ease of care and growth. It is traditionally planted in autumn and harvested in mid-summer. This plant is also called the stinking rose, and it is useful as an insect repellent in gardens. Garlic is important to Korean creation myths, and is believed to ward off vampires and other spirits in European folklore.

Scientific classification

Species

Garlic (Allium sativum)

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

23 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Cream, Brown, Tan

Fruit Color

White, Pink

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Garlic

Distribution of Garlic

Distribution Map

Garlic, native to Central Asia, has expanded far beyond its origins. It is now cultivated and introduced across multiple continents, including Europe, Africa, North and South America, and parts of Asia. Adaptable to various climates, garlic thrives in areas as diverse as the Mediterranean basin, the subtropics, and even temperate regions, making it a truly global species.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cultivated Beds

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

One of the most popularly grown plants in veggie gardens, garlic is an extremely aromatic, tasty, and easy-to-grow bulb. Garlic is a staple plant for growing in food and herb gardens and is widely used for its various culinary purposes, rather than for its ornamental appearance.

Symbolism

Protection, Healing, Exorcism

Name Story

Garlic: The name garlic comes from garleac, an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning "spear leek". This garlic is believed to be the descendant of the Allium longicuspis, wild Asian garlic.

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Toxicity

While garlic is a culinary treat, it is highly toxic to cats, causing symptoms like vomiting, discolored urine, and pale gums. It is also moderately toxic to dogs with symptoms such as vomiting and anemia. Bulbs are the most toxic part. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.

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Quickly Identify Garlic

Segmented bulbs with cloves enclosed in papery sheaths, forming a spherical structure (2-4 inches / 5-10 cm).

Umbel inflorescence with small white or pinkish flowers protected by a membranous spathe (2-4 inches / 5-10 cm).

Linear-lanceolate leaves with parallel venation, bright green color, measuring 1 inch wide and 8-16 inches long.

Short, flattened stem forming a disk at the base, surrounded by a pseudostem from overlapping leaf bases.

Capsule fruit perched atop flowering stalk, changing texture and color at maturity, splitting open when ripe.

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Care Guide for Garlic

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Garlic thrives in arid conditions with drought tolerance. Water every 1-2 weeks for optimal growth, avoiding excessive moisture. As a bulbous plant, it is usually grown outdoors in well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging.

Fertilize: Garlic thrives with phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer, applied at planting and during key growth stages. Follow dosage guidelines to prevent burn; frequency increases in spring. Incorporate thoroughly and water afterward. Over-fertilization can be detrimental, so use slow-release formulas for lasting nutrients.

Pruning: Garlic thrives with minimal pruning, mainly removing yellowing leaves in spring to promote bulb health. Cut flower stalks to redirect energy to bulb formation and ensure good air circulation by spacing plants apart to prevent disease. Proper pruning fosters vigorous growth and enhances overall health.

Propagation: Garlic propagation is primarily done using tubers in Spring, with moderate difficulty. Successful propagation is indicated by new shoots. Careful handling of tubers during transplanting is essential for optimal growth.

Repotting: Garlic requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, ensuring that roots do not become waterlogged, which can lead to rot.

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