BOTANICAL NAME: Tulbaghia violacea
COMMON NAMES: Society Garlic
FAMILY: Alliaceae, the onion family
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Society garlic is an attractive ornamental, perennial plant from South Africa. It forms a low growing clump to 30 cm, with dainty star-shaped, lilac-mauve flowers at the end of long stems. Flowering is over a long period from October to April. The strap-like grey-green leaves grow from a dense clump. The roots are thick, white and tuberous. When not in flower it looks similar to garlic chives and the leaves have a similar smell. The leaves stay green all year. Society Garlic is easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It can cope with heat and drought and is also fairly cold tolerant. It does best in full sun and in well-drained, sandy soil. They can be grown in containers where space is limited.
USES
Food: the leaves are used chopped in sauces, soups, salads and as a garnish. The flower buds steeped in vinegar give it a mild garlic flavour and can also be used as a garnish. They look attractive in salads.
Ornamental: attractive edging plant for herb and vegetable gardens, the cut flowers last well in water.
PLANTING DETAILS
Recommended planting time: Divide clumps in spring or autumn.
Planting depth: Cover the tuberous roots with 2 cm of soil.
Plant spacing: Plants should be spaced 20 cm apart.
Growing details: To divide the clumps, trim the tops, lift them, trim the roots and separate the pieces. Division every few years improves the vigour of the clumps.
