Place it aside and put it on the bed.
Ornamental garlic (Allium), a striking architectural plant known for its spherical, long-stemmed flowers, is a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor spaces. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to care for this captivating plant.
**Watering**
Upon planting, water ornamental garlic thoroughly and maintain regular watering about once a week during the growing season. Be mindful not to overwater, as garlic has shallow roots and is prone to rot. Water early in the morning so the foliage can dry in the sun. Approximately two weeks before harvest, stop watering when the tops are still green but lower leaves start browning.
**Cutting (Harvesting and Trimming)**
For the best flavour, harvest ornamental garlic in the late morning after the dew has dried but before the hot afternoon sun. After harvesting, gently pull down the first green leaf layer to the base to prepare the garlic for curing, making cleaning easier later. Cure the bulbs for 1 to 1.5 months, then trim at the neck and roots for neat storage.
**Replanting Daughter Bulbs**
Ornamental garlic produces daughter bulbs (offsets), which can be removed and replanted. These daughter bulbs often take about two years to develop into full bulbs. The first year, they may be mostly single-clove bulbs. Plant the offsets that fall or are separated to grow fully developed bulbs over the subsequent seasons.
**Fertilization**
Use a balanced, slow-release, granular fertilizer when planting bulbs in early fall to encourage healthy growth. Follow package instructions for watering in fertilizer to ensure proper nutrient uptake. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm bulb development.
In summary, for ornamental Allium care:
- Water evenly and moderately during the growing season, avoiding waterlogged soil. - Harvest and prep bulbs carefully for curing, trimming after curing. - Replant daughter bulbs to propagate new plants, understanding it may take up to two years for full bulb development. - Apply balanced fertilizer at planting time to support growth.
These steps help ensure healthy, attractive Allium plants in your garden with good bulb production. Ornamental garlic bridges the gap between spring flowers and perennials, adding a touch of charm to your garden throughout the season.
It's essential to cut down ornamental garlic to prevent seed formation, and sticking cut ornamental garlic stems back into the ground can help keep the spheres in the bed. Suitable fertilizers for ornamental garlic include organic full fertilizers like horn shavings or manure extract from cattle dung pellets.
Ornamental garlic is very undemanding and tolerates drought well. For more gardening tips, follow the B.Z. garden influencer on Instagram @smallberlingarden.
Adopting ornamental garlic as part of your home-and-garden lifestyle can elevate the appearance of your outdoor spaces. By following a proper watering schedule, caring for and harvesting the bulbs, replanting daughter bulbs, and using appropriate fertilizers, you can cultivate beautiful and healthy Allium plants that add an element of elegance and charm to your garden lifestyle.
