How to Plant Wild Garlic Bulbs in Pots

Wild garlic, also known as ramsons or bear garlic, is a popular herb that is easy to grow and has many culinary uses. If you want to grow wild garlic in your home garden or on your balcony, planting bulbs in pots is a great way to get started. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plant wild garlic bulbs in pots.

Choose the Right Pot

When it comes to planting wild garlic bulbs, you'll want to choose a pot that is at least 6 inches deep and has drainage holes. Wild garlic bulbs need plenty of water but do not tolerate soggy soil, so make sure your pot can drain excess water. Terracotta or plastic pots work well for growing wild garlic, but you can use any type of pot that suits your needs and preferences.

Select Your Bulbs

Before planting your wild garlic bulbs in pots, you'll need to select healthy bulbs that are free from cracks or blemishes. You can buy wild garlic bulbs from garden centers or online retailers, or you can harvest the bulbs from a wild garlic patch. If you're harvesting your own bulbs, make sure to take only about one-third of the bulbs in the patch, leaving enough to preserve the population.

Prepare the Soil

Wild garlic prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To prepare your potting soil, mix equal parts of high-quality potting soil, perlite, and compost. If you have access to a garden bed, you can dig up some soil and add it to the potting mix for extra nutrients. Fill your pot with the soil mixture, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

Plant Your Bulbs

Plant each wild garlic bulb about 2 inches deep in the potting soil, with the pointed end facing up. If you are planting more than one bulb, space them about 4 inches apart. Gently press down on the soil to ensure good contact with the bulbs. Water the soil thoroughly after planting to settle the bulbs in place.

Care for Your Wild Garlic

Wild garlic is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established. Water your wild garlic regularly, but do not overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Wild garlic does well in partial shade to full sun, so place your pot in a sunny or partially shaded location. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may need to bring your wild garlic pots indoors to protect them from frost.

Harvest Your Wild Garlic

Your wild garlic plants will be ready for harvest after a few months. You can harvest the leaves and bulbs throughout the growing season, but the best time to harvest the bulbs is in the fall after the leaves have died back. Harvest the bulbs by gently digging them up from the soil with a garden fork or trowel. Be sure to leave some bulbs in the pot to grow for next year's harvest.

Planting wild garlic bulbs in pots is a great way to add this flavorful herb to your home garden or balcony. With the right pot, soil, bulbs, and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh wild garlic leaves and bulbs throughout the growing season.