Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Tulbaghia Violacea |
| Family Name: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Society Garlic, Wild Garlic, Sweet Garlic, Pink Agapanthus, & Spring Bulbs |
| Size: | Usually grows to a height of about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters). The plant tends to spread to about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) wide. |
| Plant Type: | Perennial Herb |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Is native to South Africa. It thrives in the regions of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces where it grows in grasslands and rocky terrains. The plant has adapted to a variety of local climates within these areas, generally favoring sunny, well-drained spots. |
| Native range in the USA: | Not Native, however, it has been introduced and become naturalized in various parts of the U.S. such as California, Florida, and parts of the southern coastal regions. |
| Conservation Status: | Does not currently have a designated conservation status under major international bodies. It is not listed as endangered or threatened. |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Its neat clumps make it ideal for edges of borders or paths. It’s also suitable for container gardening, where it can be easily managed and moved if necessary. Plant bulbs about 4 to 6 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep. This allows sufficient space for growth and air circulation. |
| Sun Exposure: | Choose a spot with full sun to ensure vigorous growth and more abundant flowering, although it can also tolerate partial shade. |
| Soil Type: | Prefers well-drained soil, ideally sandy or loamy. It’s tolerant of a wide range of soil types but does not do well in waterlogged conditions. |
| Soil pH: | 6.0 & 7.0 |
| Water Requirements: | Water thoroughly after planting. Once established, society garlic is relatively drought-tolerant, but it performs best with regular watering, especially in dry conditions. |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Trim back foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate to fast growth rate |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | While society garlic is drought-tolerant, it's crucial to water it regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, the plant can handle longer periods of dryness more effectively. |
| Frost Tolerance: | Moderate frost tolerance. Light frosts may not harm the plant significantly, especially if the ground is not frozen. However, prolonged and severe frost can damage the foliage and may kill the plant if the roots freeze. Society garlic can typically withstand temperatures down to about 10°F to 20°F (-12°C to -7°C) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Is highly tolerant of heat, temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C), though it can withstand higher temperatures without significant stress. |
| Wind Tolerance: | Has a reasonable tolerance to wind, but it is not exceptionally robust against strong or persistent winds. Its slender, flexible leaves can withstand moderate breezes without damage; however, in areas with strong winds, some protective measures might be necessary to ensure the plant's health and aesthetic appeal. |
| Salt Tolerance: | Exhibits a moderate level of salt tolerance. This characteristic makes it suitable for gardens in coastal areas where salt spray from the ocean can be a common issue for many plants. |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 7 through 10 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Society garlic, does produce fruits, but they are not typically the main feature of interest for this plant. After the flowering period, society garlic can develop small, elongated capsule-like fruits. These fruits contain black, angular seeds which can be used for propagation. |
| Harvest Time: | Fall |
| Fruit Description: | The capsules that develop are typically three-parted, each containing seeds. |
| Edible Plant: | Yes |
| Edible Parts: | Leaves, Flowers, Bulbs |
| Medicinal: | Has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. Used for Infections, Inflammation, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Immune System Support, Digestive Issues, Cold and Flu. |
| Flower Color: | Typically produces flowers that are lilac or light purple in color. The flowers of White Society Garlic, a variety of Tulbaghia violacea, are predominantly white. This cultivar is specifically chosen for its distinctive white blossoms, which offer a contrast to the more common lilac or light purple flowers of the standard Tulbaghia violacea. |
| Flower Shape: | They are star-shaped and small, clustered at the end of tall, slender stems that rise above the plant's grass-like foliage. Each flower consists of six pointed petals that spread outward from a central corona, giving it a star-like appearance. The clusters of these delicate blooms can include multiple flowers. |
| Fragrance: | Are known for a subtle and pleasant fragrance, which is somewhat reminiscent of garlic but much milder and less pungent. The scent is generally not overpowering and tends to be more noticeable when the flowers are brushed or during warm weather when volatiles are more easily released into the air. |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Blooms over an extended period, making it a valued addition to gardens for its long-lasting floral display. The bloom time for society garlic generally spans from early summer through to the fall. Specifically, the flowers start appearing in June and can continue to bloom until as late as October, depending on the climate and growing conditions. |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Like many plants, it can potentially experience some degree of self-pollination. However, the primary and most effective means of reproduction for this plant remains cross-pollination facilitated by insects. |
Wildlife
| Pollinators: | Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Hoverflies, & Small Birds. |
| Problematic Pest: | Aphids, Slugs, Snails, & Thrips. |
| Attracts: | Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Hoverflies, Ladybugs, Lacewings, Parasitic Wasp, & Small Birds. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Generally considered safe and non-toxic. |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | Individuals who are sensitive to alliums (the family that includes onions, garlic, and leeks) might also react to society garlic, either through skin contact or ingestion. |
| Toxic to Animals: | While not widely recognized as toxic to pets, it's prudent to keep an eye on your pets if they show interest in nibbling on the plant. The garlic-like compounds, while milder than those found in true garlic, might still cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals if consumed in large quantities. |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Root Rot, Rust, Leaf Spot, & Botrytis (Gray Mold). |
Society Garlic (Tulbaghia Violacea)
Society garlic, or Tulbaghia violacea, is a perennial herb that is as versatile as it is beautiful. Native to South Africa, this plant has captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide with its slender, graceful foliage and clusters of lilac-pink flowers. On this page, we'll dive into everything you need to know to start society garlic in your garden or food forest.
Tulbaghia violacea is a splendid choice for anyone looking to add long-lasting color and texture to their garden with minimal effort. Its drought tolerance, pest resistance, and edible properties make it an invaluable plant for diverse garden settings. Try incorporating society garlic into your garden this season and enjoy the myriad of benefits it brings to your outdoor space.
Companion Planting
Companion planting with Tulbaghia violacea, commonly known as society garlic, can be very beneficial for both the plant and its neighbors in the garden. Society garlic is known for its mild garlic-like scent, which can help deter pests, making it a valuable ally in the garden. Here are some ideas for effective companion planting with society garlic:
1. Roses
Benefits: Society garlic can help deter aphids, which are common pests on rose bushes. The strong scent of the leaves when crushed is believed to confuse pests, reducing their impact on nearby plants.
Placement: Plant society garlic around the base of rose bushes for a natural pest repellent.
2. Tomatoes
Benefits: Like roses, tomato plants benefit from the pest-repelling properties of society garlic. It may help reduce the presence of pests that typically affect tomatoes.
Placement: Intersperse society garlic plants between tomato plants in your vegetable garden.
3. Fruit Trees
Benefits: Placing society garlic under fruit trees can create a living mulch that helps suppress weeds and possibly deter some pests and rodents with its scent.
Placement: Plant society garlic around the drip line of fruit trees.
4. Carrots
Benefits: The scent of society garlic can mask carrot plants from pests like carrot flies.
Placement: Grow society garlic along the borders of your carrot patches to help shield them.
5. Herbs
Benefits: Herbs that also have strong scents, such as rosemary, thyme, and lavender, can benefit from the additional pest deterrent effect of society garlic. The combination of scents can create a more robust barrier against pests.
Placement: Plant society garlic in your herb garden, spacing it out between other herb plants.
6. Flower Beds
Benefits: The attractive flowers of society garlic can enhance the aesthetic of flower beds while its scent helps keep pests at bay.
Placement: Use society garlic as a border plant in flower beds with annuals and perennials.
Considerations
While society garlic is beneficial in companion planting for its pest-repellent properties, it's important to consider its growing conditions. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Make sure its companions enjoy similar conditions to ensure all plants thrive.
Additionally, consider the flowering period and height of society garlic (up to 24 inches) when planning its placement in companion planting scenarios to achieve both aesthetic harmony and practical benefits in your garden.