Description
Caring for your Society Garlic
Light
To see the most blooms, place your Society Garlic in full sun (6-8 hours daily). It is very heat-tolerant and thrives in bright, intense light. While it can grow in partial shade, the foliage may become a bit “floppy” and you will notice significantly fewer flower clusters.
Soil
This plant is not picky about soil as long as it has excellent drainage. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or even somewhat poor soils. If planting in a container, a standard high-quality potting mix with a bit of added perlite for drainage works perfectly.
Water
Society Garlic is remarkably drought-tolerant once its root system is established. During the first growing season, water it regularly (once or twice a week) to help it settle. Once established, it can go long periods without water, though it will look its best and bloom more frequently with consistent, moderate watering during hot spells.
Fertilizer
It requires very little feeding. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually enough to sustain it for the entire year. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will encourage lots of leaf growth but very few flowers.
Common Issues
The main issue is “flopping” foliage, which is usually a sign that the plant is not getting enough sunlight or is being over-watered. It is also a relatively slow grower, so don’t be alarmed if it takes a season or two to form a dense, lush clump.
Pests
Interestingly, Society Garlic is often used as a natural repellent for aphids and even some larger garden visitors like rabbits and deer, who dislike the garlic scent. It is very rare for this plant to suffer from any significant pest infestations.
Disease
It is a very healthy plant with few disease problems. The only real threat is root rot, which only occurs if the soil stays waterlogged for extended periods. Ensuring the plant has “dry feet” between waterings is the best prevention.
PruningΒ
Maintenance is minimal. Simply deadhead the flower stalks once they finish blooming to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new stalks to emerge. In late winter, you can trim back any old or tattered leaves to make room for fresh spring growth.
Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Society Garlic is through clump division. Every few years, when the clump becomes too dense, dig it up in early spring and gently pull the bulbs apart. Replant the sections immediately, and they will establish themselves quickly.
Potting / Repotting
It does very well in pots and window boxes. Because it spreads via bulbs and rhizomes, it can eventually become crowded. Repot every 2 to 3 years into a container one size larger, or divide the plant at that time to maintain its size. Always use a pot with good drainage holes.
